Relay device, communication device, and communication method

Abstract

A relay apparatus may include a relay unit. The relay unit transmits a sidelink signal transmitted from the transmitting device through the first link to the receiving device through the second link according to the control information. The control information is notified by at least one of the base station, the transmitting device, the receiving device, or the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to relay equipment, communication equipment, and communication methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, sidelink communication has received much attention. For example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, which performs direct communication between terminal devices (user equipment (UE)), has gained attention as a form of sidelink communication.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Non-patent literature

[0005] NPL 1: "TS22.186, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Enhancement of 3GPP support for V2X scenarios; Stage 1 (Release 16)", [Online], [Search Date: April 12, 2023], Internet<URL :https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / / Specs / archive / 22_series / 22.186 / 22186-g20.zip>

[0006] NPL 2: "TR 38.867, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access network; Study on NR network-controlled repeaters; (Release 18)", [Online], [Retrieved April 12, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / Specs / archive / 38_series / 38.867 / 38867-i00.zip> Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Whether the radio propagation environment for sidelink communication is line-of-sight (LOS) or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) depends on the presence of a structure between the UEs performing the sidelink communication. Furthermore, the communication quality in an NLOS environment is lower than that in a LOS environment during sidelink communication.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure provides a mechanism that can suppress communication quality degradation in NLOS environments during sidelink communication.

[0010] It should be noted that the problems or objectives mentioned above are merely one of the many problems or objectives that can be solved or achieved by the various embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] The relay device disclosed herein includes a relay unit. This relay unit transmits a sidelink signal transmitted from a transmitting device via a first link to a receiving device via a second link, based on control information. The control information is provided by at least one of a base station, a transmitting device, a receiving device, or a communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an overview of sidelink communication.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the mapping from sidelink physical channels to physical resources (time-frequency resources).

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of side link (SL) sensing.

[0016] Figure 4 This is another example diagram used to describe sidelink sensing.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of NCR.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to describe a first control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example flow of a first control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to describe a second control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a second control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram used to describe a third control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a third control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to describe a fourth control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fourth control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a mapping of a dedicated control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a mapping of a dedicated control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a mapping of an existing control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a mapping of an existing control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of a mapping of an existing control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 23 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a first acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 24 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a second acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 25 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a third acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 26 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fourth acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 27 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fifth acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 28 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a sixth acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 29 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a seventh acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 30 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of an eighth acquisition method for CSI in the case of RIS opacity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 31 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a method for acquiring CSI in the case of RIS transparency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 32 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation performed by a transmitting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 33 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation performed by a receiving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 34 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation performed by a base station selecting a RIS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals in this specification and the drawings; therefore, repeated descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0048] Furthermore, in this specification and accompanying drawings, similar components of the embodiments can be distinguished by adding at least one of different letters or numbers after the same reference numerals. However, when it is not necessary to specifically distinguish each similar component, only the same reference numerals are assigned. For example, multiple components with substantially the same functional configuration, such as terminal device 40_1 and terminal device 40_2, may be distinguished when necessary. For example, when it is not necessary to specifically distinguish terminal device 40_1 and terminal device 40_2, they are simply referred to as terminal device 40.

[0049] Each of the one or more embodiments (including examples, modified examples, and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least some of the embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with at least some of the other embodiments when appropriate. These embodiments may include novel features that differ from each other. Therefore, these embodiments can help achieve or solve different purposes or problems and can produce different effects.

[0050] <<1. Introduction>>

[0051] <1-1. Sidelink Communication>

[0052] In 3GPP (registered trademark), device-to-device (D2D) communication used to perform direct communication between terminals (user equipment (UE)) is standardized as sidelink communication in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (NR), respectively.

[0053] In sidelink communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication is one of the main use cases. V2X communication is considered to be vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0054] Specifically, in 5G NR sidelink communication, platooning, advanced driving, extended sensors, and remote driving are considered advanced V2X communications. Compared to sidelink communication in 4G LTE, 5G NR sidelink communication is standardized to enable high-speed and high-capacity communication and / or low-latency and high-reliability communication.

[0055] As a use case for sidelink communication, in addition to regular V2X communication, it is also expected to be expanded and applied to commercial uses (commercial use cases) in homes, offices and factories.

[0056] As one solution, the use of unlicensed frequency bands (unlicensed spectrum or shared spectrum) that can be used without a license in a predetermined frequency band has been proposed and is expected to be standardized in NR Release-18.

[0057] <1-1-1. Overview of Sidelink Communication>

[0058] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an overview of sidelink communication. Use cases for sidelink communication are roughly divided into two types. The first type involves two or more terminal devices 40 existing within a cell C configured by base station 20. The second type involves at least one of the two or more terminal devices 40 existing within cell C and the other terminal devices 40 existing outside cell C. In this case, the terminal devices 40 existing within cell C can communicate with base station 20 in addition to sidelink communication. As a result, the terminal devices 40 existing within cell C act as relay stations for relaying between base station 20 and the terminal devices 40 existing outside cell C.

[0059] Note that the presence of terminal device 40 within cell C means that terminal device 40 is in a state where the quality of the downlink signal received from base station 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined standard. In other words, the presence of terminal device 40 outside cell C means that terminal device 40 is in a state where the quality of the downlink signal received from base station 20 is equal to or lower than a predetermined standard.

[0060] Furthermore, the presence of terminal device 40 within cell C means that terminal device 40 is in a state where it can decode the predetermined downlink channel received from base station 20 with a predetermined or higher probability. In other words, the presence of terminal device 40 outside cell C means that terminal device 40 is in a state where it cannot decode the predetermined downlink channel received from base station 20 with a predetermined or higher probability.

[0061] In the following description, the terminal device 40 that receives information about sidelink communication from base station 20 and sends sidelink control channels may be referred to as transmitting device (TxUE) 40T, while other terminal devices 40 may be referred to as receiving device (RxUE) 40R.

[0062] <1-1-2. Details of Sidelink Communication>

[0063] Sidelink communication is direct communication between different terminal devices 40. In sidelink communication, a resource pool is configured in each terminal device 40. This resource pool is a candidate pool of time and frequency resources for sidelink transmission and reception. The terminal device 40 selects resources from the resource pool for sidelink transmission and reception and performs sidelink communication.

[0064] Since sidelink communication is performed using uplink resources (uplink subframes or uplink component carriers), the resource pool is also configured in the uplink subframes or uplink component carriers.

[0065] (Side link physical channel)

[0066] The physical sidelink channels include the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and the Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH).

[0067] In addition to the combination of these sidelink physical channels, symbols for Automatic Gain Control (AGC) can be added in sidelink transmissions. AGC can be used to identify (adjust) the gain (amplitude) of the sidelink transmission at the receiving side (e.g., receiver 40R). Symbols for AGC can be generated by copying the symbols that immediately follow.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the mapping from sidelink physical channels to physical resources (time-frequency resources). Figure 2 In this context, the horizontal direction represents time, and the vertical direction represents frequency.

[0069] The PSCCH is used to send Side Link Control Information (SCI). The mapping of information bits in the Side Link Control Information is defined in the SCI format. The Side Link Control Information includes Side Link Grants. Side Link Grants are used for PSCCH scheduling.

[0070] PSSCH is used to transmit sidelink data (Sidelink Shared Channel (SL-SCH)). PSSCH can also be used to transmit higher-level control information (e.g., Media Access Control (MAC) / Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling).

[0071] PSFCH is used to respond to the sending terminal device with a HARQ response (ACK / NACK) based on the PSFCH decoding result.

[0072] (Details of side link control information)

[0073] Side link control information can be transmitted by dividing it into a first SCI and a second SCI using two SCI formats. The first SCI is in the format of the first SCI (e.g., SCI format 1-A). The second SCI is in the format of the second SCI (e.g., SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C).

[0074] The first SCI is transmitted on the PSCCH. For example, the first SCI includes the following control information for transmission by the scheduled sidelink.

[0075] - Information about priority

[0076] - Information regarding frequency and time resources

[0077] -Resource reservation period

[0078] - Information about the demodulation reference signal (DMRS)

[0079] - Information regarding the second SCI format

[0080] - Information about the modulation and coding scheme of PSSCH

[0081] - Information about PSFCH

[0082] - Information about the conflict

[0083] The resource reservation period indicates the time period for which resources can be reserved for periodic sidelink communication.

[0084] The second SCI is transmitted on the PSSCH. That is, the second SCI is multiplexed and transmitted on the SL-SCH and PSSCH, which are data for sidelink communication. For example, the second SCI includes the following control information for scheduled sidelink transmission.

[0085] - Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process number

[0086] - New Data Indicator

[0087] - Redundant version

[0088] -Source ID

[0089] - Destination ID

[0090] -HARQ feedback on / off information

[0091] - Information indicating the type of broadcast

[0092] -CSI Request

[0093] The new data indicator is information indicating whether the HARQ process number data (SL-SCH) is being sent for the first time (first transmission). The redundant version contains information about the encoded bits in the HARQ process number data (SL-SCH).

[0094] The source ID is information about the TxUE (transmitting device 40T) and / or information used to identify the TxUE (transmitting device 40T). The destination ID is information about the RxUE (receiving device 40R) and / or information used to identify the RxUE (receiving device 40R).

[0095] The broadcast type information indicates whether the sidelink transmission is broadcast, multicast, or unicast. The CSI request is a trigger for transmitting channel state information.

[0096] (Sidelink resource pool)

[0097] In the side link, the resource pool (side link resource pool) is configured as a resource for PSSCH sending and receiving.

[0098] In the frequency axis, a resource pool comprises one or more contiguous sub-channels. A sub-channel comprises one or more contiguous physical resource blocks (PRBs). The number and size of sub-channels are set by higher-level parameters.

[0099] The time slots configured as resource pools are indicated by a bitmap. Each bit of the bitmap corresponds to a time slot that can be configured as a sidelink resource pool.

[0100] For example, when the bit value indicates 1, the corresponding time slot is configured as a resource pool, while when the bit value indicates 0, the corresponding time slot is not configured as a resource pool. The length of the bitmap is set by a higher layer.

[0101] The time slots including S-SS / PSBCH blocks are not configured as resource pools. The Sidelink Synchronization Signal (S-SS) is a signal used for synchronization in sidelink communication. The Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH) is a channel used to transmit broadcast information (system information, etc.) in sidelink communication.

[0102] Additionally, time slots that are not semi-static and include a predetermined number of uplink symbols are not configured as resource pools. Furthermore, reserved time slots are not configured as resource pools.

[0103] The resource pool is configured by base station 20 for terminal device 40 via System Information Block (SIB) or dedicated RRC message. Alternatively, the resource pool is configured by preset information about the resource pool in terminal device 40.

[0104] The time resource pool is indicated by time period information, offset information, and subframe bitmap information. The frequency resource pool is indicated by the start position of the resource block, the end position of the resource block, and the number of consecutive resource blocks.

[0105] Note that the device used to configure the resource pool can be a device other than base station 20. Examples of devices other than base station 20 include representative terminal device 40 (primary terminal device or primary terminal device).

[0106] (Sidelink resource allocation mode)

[0107] In sidelinks, two sidelink resource allocation modes can be used.

[0108] In sidelink resource allocation mode 1, sidelink resource allocation is performed by the network (such as base station 20). TxUE (transmitting device 40T) determines the sidelink transmission resources and performs sidelink communication based on control information (sidelink grant) from the network.

[0109] In sidelink resource allocation mode 2, the terminal device 40 (TxUE, etc.) determines the sidelink transmission resources from the sidelink resource pool. The TxUE can perform the sensing and determination of the sidelink transmission resources as described below.

[0110] (Sensing methods in sidelink communication)

[0111] When sidelink resource allocation mode 2 is set, the transmitting device 40T selects sidelink resources from the configured resource pool according to a predetermined process. This predetermined process includes predetermined sensing. For example, the terminal device 40 performs predefined predetermined sensing and selects sidelink resources based on the sensing results.

[0112] In this way, the sensing performed by the terminal device 40 for selecting sidelink resources is referred to as sidelink sensing with respect to sidelink communication (hereinafter also simply referred to as sidelink (SL) sensing). Details of SL sensing are described in Chapter 8.1.4 of 3GPP TS 38.214.

[0113] As part of the pre-defined process for resource selection, transmitting device 40T receives PSCCH sent from another terminal device 40 in the resource pool. Transmitting device 40T understands the resource allocation status (usage status) of the resource pool based on the SCI sent on the PSCCH.

[0114] Additionally, the transmitting device 40T measures the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the resource scheduled by the SCI transmitted on the received PSCCH (the resource for which the PSSCH was allocated). If the measured RSRP is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the transmitting device 40T excludes that resource from the resources used for resource selection and selects a resource for sidelink (SL) communication from the remaining resources.

[0115] For RSRP measurements, PSCCH-RSRP and PSSCH-RSRP are defined, and the use of either PSCCH-RSRP or PSSCH-RSRP is configured by RRC signaling. PSCCH-RSRP and PSSCH-RSRP are measured on the DMRS of PSCCH (and the resources of the DMRS of PSSCH), respectively.

[0116] Note that sensing is performed on a unit of predetermined frequency and time resources used in sidelink communication. The predetermined frequency resource is a subchannel and comprises one or more resource blocks. The predetermined time resource can be one or more time slots. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined time resource can be one or more symbols.

[0117] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of SL sensing. Figure 2The SL sensing method shown is particularly suitable for situations where the data transmitted in side-link communication performed by another terminal device 40 is periodically generated traffic (periodic transmission).

[0118] This method is also known as full sensing. In full sensing, when a trigger for resource selection exists at time n, the transmitting device 40T is configured to include a selection window (resource selection period or resource selection window) for a time period from n+T1 to n+T2.

[0119] Furthermore, when a trigger for resource selection exists at time n, the sending device 40T settings include the period from n-T0 to nT. proc,0 The sensing window (sensing period or resource sensing window) is defined as the time period before time n. Since the sensing window is the time before time n, the transmitting device 40T performs sensing in advance.

[0120] Furthermore, in this method, periodic transmission (periodic traffic) is assumed as described above. Therefore, a list of possible sidelink (SL) transmissions is configured for the transmitting device 40T via RRC signaling. That is, the transmitting device 40T can estimate future resource usage based on periodicity and past resource usage.

[0121] Note that the “RRC signaling” described above or below refers to including one or more RRC parameters (information elements (IEs)) in a pre-defined RRC message (e.g., RRC reconfiguration or RRC setting) and sending it.

[0122] When the RRC message is sent in the downlink, it is sent from base station 20 (e.g., gNB) to terminal device 40. When the RRC message is sent in the uplink, it is sent from terminal device 40 to base station 20. When the RRC message is sent in the sidelink, it is sent from sending device 40T to receiving device 40R.

[0123] The details of each parameter are as follows.

[0124] T0 = ​​{100, 1100 [ms]}: This parameter indicates the start time of the sensing window. This parameter is configured by RRC signaling (RRC IE: sl-SensingWindow). Note that the unit of this parameter is milliseconds, while the units of other parameters are time slots.

[0125] T1: This parameter is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to T. proc,1 The value. Transmitting device 40T selects T1. T proc,1 This is a parameter corresponding to the processing time of the transmitting device 40T, and is defined based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS). For example, Tproc,1 Satisfy: For 15 kHz, T proc,1 = 3; for 30 kHz, T proc,1 = 5; for 60 kHz, T proc,1 = 9; and for 120 kHz, T proc,1 = 17.

[0126] T2: This parameter is greater than or equal to T. 2min And it is less than or equal to the remaining packet delay budget for transmitting data. Transmitting device 40T selects T2. 2min Configured by RRC signaling (RRC IE: sl-SelectionWindowList). T 2min The possible values ​​are {1, 5, 10, and 20}.

[0127] T proc,0 The parameter is 1 for 15 kHz, 1 for 30 kHz, 2 for 60 kHz, and 4 for 120 kHz: This parameter corresponds to the processing time of the transmitting device (40T) and is defined based on the subcarrier spacing.

[0128] (The process of side link sensing)

[0129] In transmitting device 40T, when a trigger for resource selection exists at time n, transmitting device 40T performs the following specific operations during full sensing. Note that the following "configuration" is the configuration performed within transmitting device 40T.

[0130] (Step A1) Transmit device 40T definition (configuration) selection window. More specifically, the candidate single-slot resource R used for transmission. x,y Defined as a time slot A continuous subchannel L with subchannel x+j subCH The set of [subchannels]. Here, j represents the continuous subchannel L. subCH The quantity. Transmitting device 40T, assuming continuous sub-channels L. subCH Any set corresponds to one of the following three items: a1) to a3).

[0131] a1) The continuous sub-channels L included in the resource pool within the time interval [n+T1, n+T2] subCH Any set corresponds to a candidate single-slot resource for the UE (terminal device 40) used to perform full sensing.

[0132] a2) For a terminal device 40 performing periodic partial sensing, the set of multiple candidate time slots Y within the time interval [n+T1, n+T2] corresponds to the continuous sub-channels L included in the resource pool. subCHAny set corresponds to a candidate single-slot resource for terminal device 40 (Y satisfies Y>=Y). min (RRC IE: minNumCandidateSlots), and is selected by terminal device 40).

[0133] a3) For the resource reservation interval P rsvp_TX When the condition is 0, the terminal device 40 performing continuous partial sensing includes continuous sub-channels L in the resource pool corresponding to the set of multiple candidate time slots Y' within the time interval [n+T1, n+T2]. subCH Any set corresponds to a candidate single-slot resource for terminal device 40 (Y' satisfies Y'>=Y') min (and is selected by terminal device 40).

[0134] The total number of candidate single-slot resources is denoted by M. total express.

[0135] (Step A2) The transmitting device 40T defines (configures) the sensing window. As described above, the sensing window consists of [n-T0,T] proc,0 ]([n-T0, The range of multiple time slots represented by [] is defined (in the case of full sensing). Additionally, the transmitting device 40T monitors (senses) multiple time slots corresponding to the resource pool within the sensing window. However, due to half-duplex limitations, the transmitting device 40T does not need to monitor (sensor) the time slots being transmitted by the transmitting device 40T. In other words, the transmitting device 40T monitors (senses) multiple time slots corresponding to the resource pool within the sensing window, except for the time slots in which the transmitting device 40T is currently transmitting.

[0136] The behavior of transmitting device 40T in subsequent steps (step A3 and subsequent steps) is based on RSRP measured in multiple time slots and PSCCH decoded in multiple time slots. When terminal device 40 performs periodic partial sensing, terminal device 40 monitors for satisfaction... Multiple time slots. Here, It is one of the multiple candidate time slots selected above. Furthermore, monitoring (sensing) is performed based on the decoding processing of the PSCCH from another terminal device 40 and the RSRP measurement in these time slots.

[0137] (Step A3) Set the RSRP threshold Th(p) for transmitting device 40T. i , p jThe RSRP threshold is determined based on parameters (RRC IE: sl-Thres-RSRP-List) notified by base station 20 and is an independent value according to the priority of transmitted data. More specifically, the value corresponding to the RSRP threshold indicated by the i-th field in sl-Thres-RSRP-List is set to Th(p). i , p j Here, i = p i +(p j - 1)* 8.

[0138] (Step A4) The transmitting device 40T initializes all candidate resources (the set of all candidate single-slot resources) within the selection window to set S. A Note that candidate resources are predetermined frequency and time resource units used in sidelink communication. In the following steps, the transmitting device 40T selects resources corresponding to predetermined conditions from set S. A Excluded from the list.

[0139] (Step A5) Transmitting device 40T will satisfy all of the following conditions b1) and b2) for resources (any candidate single-slot resource R). x,y From set S A Excluded from the list.

[0140] b1) Time slots not detected in (step A2) .

[0141] b2) Based on the periodic list (RRC IE: sl-ResourceReservePeriodList) transmitted via the sidelink and the decoded PSSCH (in the time slot). The SCI format 1-A received in the middle and including the "resource reservation period" field can be used for the time slots of side link transmission.

[0142] If set S A The remaining candidate single-slot resources R x,y The quantity is less than X*M total Then set S A Return to (step A4) and be initialized.

[0143] (Step A6) Sending device 40T from set S A Resources that satisfy all of the following conditions (c1) to c3) are excluded (any candidate single-slot resource R). x,y ).

[0144] c1) Resources indicated by SCI sent on PSSCH from another terminal device 40. More specifically, the sending device 40T in the time slot The system receives SCI format 1-A, and the "Resource Reservation Period" field (if present) and "Priority" field in the received SCI format 1-A indicate P respectively. rsvp_RX and prio RX .

[0145] c2) The value measured by RSRP is higher than the RSRP threshold Th(prio) set in step A3. RX ,prio TX ) resources.

[0146] c3) The periodic list based on sidelink transmission and the decoded PSSCH can be used for the time slots of sidelink transmission.

[0147] (Step A7) In set S A The remaining amount of resources is less than the predetermined value X*M obtained based on parameters configured by RRC signaling. total In this case, the transmitting device 40T will transmit the RSRP threshold value Th(p) i , p j Increase the predetermined value (3dB) and repeat the process from (step A4).

[0148] (Step A8) Sending device 40T from set S A Resources are randomly selected from the remaining resources for sidelink transmission.

[0149] The transmitting device 40T performs side link sensing by executing the above process (step A1) to (step A8).

[0150] In the aforementioned complete sensing, the transmitting device 40T determines the sidelink resources used for transmitting data by using past sensing results at the point in time when the transmitted data is generated. Therefore, the transmitting device 40T always performs sensing processing.

[0151] For example, in the case of a transmitting device 40T that is a device powered by a small battery (such as a smartphone), it is not preferable to always perform sensing processing from a power consumption perspective. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption, partial sensing, in which a portion of the sensing window is reduced, is normalized.

[0152] In partial sensing, the transmitting device 40T essentially performs resource selection from the sensed resources, rather than from other resources. This sensing method is also known as period-based partial sensing (PBPS).

[0153] Figure 4 This is another example diagram used to describe SL sensing. Figure 4The SL sensing method shown is particularly suitable for situations where the data transmitted in sidelink communication performed by another terminal device 40 is non-periodic generated traffic (non-periodic transmission). This method is also known as Continuous Partial Sensing (CPS).

[0154] In CPS, the transmitting device 40T essentially defines the sensing window immediately preceding the selection window and performs sensing. The sensing window in CPS includes n+T... B up to n+T A The time period. T A and T B Each can be a positive value, a negative value, or zero, depending on the use case or situation. For example, T B It is a value determined based on the processing time and is T. proc,0 +T proc,1 For example, T A Configured by RRC signaling.

[0155] (Coordination between the terminal devices 40 of the side link)

[0156] In sidelink communication, to reduce SL transmission conflicts, the receiving device 40R or another terminal device 40 can notify the transmitting device 40T of control information (coordination information). That is, inter-UE coordination (IUC) between terminal devices 40 can be defined.

[0157] In the following description of the IUC, the receiving device 40R or another terminal device is also referred to as UE 40A, and the transmitting device 40T is also referred to as UE 40B.

[0158] The IUC defines the following two schemes.

[0159] -IUC Scheme 1

[0160] In this scheme, the control information (coordination information) sent from UE 40A to UE 40B indicates resources suitable for transmission by UE 40B (preferred resources) or resources unsuitable for transmission by UE 40B (non-preferred resources). In other words, in this scheme, the control information (coordination information) sent from UE 40A to UE 40B can indicate resources suitable for reception by UE 40A or resources unsuitable for reception by UE 40A.

[0161] -IUC Scheme 2

[0162] In this scheme, the control information (coordination information) sent from UE 40A to UE 40B indicates the expected or potential resource conflict of the resources indicated by the sidelink control information of UE 40B.

[0163] (Sidelink broadcast type)

[0164] In sidelink communication, three broadcast types are used. These broadcast types can be switched and used dynamically or semi-statically by the transmitting device 40T. For example, the transmitting device 40T transmits sidelink control information (SCI) that includes information indicating the broadcast type. As a result, the receiving device 40R can identify the broadcast type of the sidelink transmission (e.g., PSSCH).

[0165] - Broadcast

[0166] - Multicast

[0167] - Unicast

[0168] Broadcast is a method of simultaneously sending data to all devices within a 40T communication area of ​​the sending device, or to unspecified devices. Multicast is a method of sending data to devices belonging to a specific group. Unicast is a method of sending data to a specific device.

[0169] <1-2. Reconfigurable Smart Surfaces (RIS)>

[0170] RIS can be used to control radio propagation. For example, a RIS is implemented by a surface comprising multiple small electronic control elements (antenna elements) that can change the phase, amplitude, or reflection of an incident wave.

[0171] In particular, the advantage of using RIS in wireless communication systems lies in its ability to improve communication coverage and capacity in environments such as urban valleys or within buildings. By controlling the phase and amplitude of the reflected wave through RIS, the wireless communication system can guide the signal in the direction of the target or concentrate the signal at a specific location. Therefore, the wireless communication system can avoid obstacles and improve the signal-to-interference and noise power ratio (SINR) in areas with high interference levels.

[0172] Furthermore, as another advantage, the RIS can adapt the communication link to changing conditions of the communication environment. For example, when the terminal device 40 is moving or the interference level is changing, the wireless communication system can improve the reliability and efficiency of the communication link by reconfiguring the RIS in real time.

[0173] In 3GPP (registered trademark), a technology related to a repeater (Network Controlled Repeater (NCR)) that can be controlled by the network (base station 20) has been studied as a technology related to RIS. Its details are described in NPL 2 above.

[0174] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of NCR. In Figure 5 In the study, the NCR being investigated in 3GPP (registered trademark) is described as RIS30.

[0175] like Figure 5 As shown, RIS 30 includes RIS-Mobile Terminal (MT) and RIS-Forwarder (FW).

[0176] The RIS-MT is defined as a functional entity used to communicate with base station 20 via a control link (C link) to send and receive control information. The conventional control link is based on the Uu link (i.e., the downlink or uplink between base station 20 and terminal device 40).

[0177] The RIS-FW is defined as a functional entity used to perform the repetition (amplification and forwarding) of downlink or uplink radio signals between base station 20 and terminal device 40 via backhaul and access links. The operation of the RIS-FW can be controlled by control information from base station 20.

[0178] <1-3. Overview of the proposed technology>

[0179] The radio propagation environment for sidelink communication varies depending on whether there is a structure between the terminal devices 40 performing the sidelink communication. When there is no structure between the terminal devices 40, the radio propagation environment for the sidelink is a line-of-sight (LOS) environment. Conversely, when there is a structure between the terminal devices 40, the radio propagation environment for the sidelink is a line-of-sight (NLOS) environment.

[0180] Furthermore, in sidelink communication, the communication quality in an NLOS environment is lower than that in a LOS environment. Therefore, when sidelink communication is in an NLO environment, the communication system of this technology reduces the degradation of communication quality through RIS 30.

[0181] Specifically, in sidelink communication, it is assumed that the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R are UEs and are mobile. Therefore, controlling RIS 30 is important in this environment.

[0182] However, the conventional RIS 30 assumes downlink and uplink communication between base station 20 and terminal device 40, and assumes that only base station 20 controls RIS 30.

[0183] Therefore, in conventional methods used to control the RIS 30, it may be impossible to perform appropriate control in side-link communication.

[0184] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a technique for performing sidelink communication using a relay device (e.g., RIS 30). Note that RIS 30 is described here as an example of a relay device for repeating sidelink signals, but the relay device for repeating sidelink signals is not limited to RIS 30.

[0185] For example, a relay device according to the proposed technology (e.g., RIS 30) includes a relay unit. This relay unit transmits a side-link signal transmitted from a transmitting device 40T via a first link to a receiving device 40R via a second link, based on control information. At least one of the base station 20, the transmitting device 40T, the receiving device 40R, or a communication device (e.g., another terminal device 40) notifies the receiving device of this control information.

[0186] Furthermore, for example, a relay device according to the proposed technology (e.g., RIS 30) includes an antenna unit. The antenna unit relays side-link communication performed between the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R. The relay device transmits at least one of first information regarding the quality of communication with the transmitting device 40T or second information regarding the quality of communication with the receiving device 40R to at least one of the transmitting device 40T or the receiving device 40R.

[0187] As a result, the communication system based on the proposed technology can perform sidelink communication by using relay devices (e.g., RIS 30) and can suppress the degradation of communication quality in NLOS environments.

[0188] <<2. System Configuration>>

[0189] <2-1. Example of a communication system configuration>

[0190] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system S according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system S includes a base station 20, a Tx UE (transmitting device 40T), an Rx UE (receiving device 40R), and a RIS 30. Note that, although Figure 6 Although not shown, the communication system S may include another terminal device 40.

[0191] In the communication system S, wireless communication devices included in the communication system S cooperate to provide users with a wireless network capable of mobile communication. The wireless network in this embodiment includes, for example, a radio access network and a core network.

[0192] Note that in this embodiment, the wireless communication device is a device with wireless communication capabilities, and is connected to... Figure 6 In the example, base station 20, transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and RIS 30 correspond to each other. In the following description, wireless communication equipment may be simply referred to as communication equipment.

[0193] The communication system S may include multiple base stations 20, multiple transmitting devices 40T, multiple receiving devices 40R, and multiple RIS30.

[0194] exist Figure 6In the communication system S, sidelink communication can be performed. In sidelink communication, direct communication from the transmitting device 40T to the receiving device 40R is performed. In this embodiment, direct communication (sidelink communication) is communication without going through the base station 20, and includes communication via communication nodes other than the base station 20 (e.g., RIS 30). Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the communication system S, in addition to sidelink communication, the transmitting device 40T, the receiving device 40R and / or RIS 30 can also perform downlink communication and / or uplink transmission with the base station 20.

[0195] In this embodiment, in addition to the RIS 30 described above, the communication nodes other than the base station 20 may include various communication nodes, such as repeaters and UE repeaters (terminal devices 40). As mentioned above, this embodiment will be described assuming that the communication node is RIS 30.

[0196] In this embodiment, direct communication without RIS 30 is referred to as sidelink communication SL-D. Direct communication via RIS 30 is referred to as sidelink communication SL-R. In sidelink communication SL-R, the communication between transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 will be referred to as sidelink communication SL-R1, and the communication between receiving device 40R and RIS 30 will be referred to as third sidelink communication SL-R2.

[0197] Sidelink communication SL-D is suitable for situations where the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R are in a LOS environment. Sidelink communication SL-R is suitable for situations where the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R are in a NLOS environment. Furthermore, in sidelink communication SL-R, optimal control of RIS 30 is desired based on the location of the transmitting device 40T and / or the receiving device 40R.

[0198] According to this embodiment, the RIS 30 may include RIS-MT and RIS-FW, similar to... Figure 5 RIS 30.

[0199] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the RIS-MT is defined as a functional entity used to communicate with base station 20 and / or terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and another terminal device 40) via a control link in order to send and receive control information. In this embodiment, the control link is based on a Uu link and / or a side link (PC5 link).

[0200] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the RIS-FW is defined as a functional entity for performing the repetition (amplification and forwarding) of radio signals in the side link (side link communication SL-R) between the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R via the backhaul link and the access link. The operation of the RIS-FW can be controlled by control information from the base station 20 and / or the terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and another terminal device 40).

[0201] The transmitting device 40T can perform communication by switching between sidelink communication SL-D and sidelink communication SL-R based on predetermined conditions. The transmitting device 40T can obtain the predetermined conditions based on information (data, signals, control information, triggers, etc.) transmitted by at least one of the base station 20, RIS 30, receiving device 40R, or another terminal device 40.

[0202] Note that the devices in the diagram can be considered as devices in a logical sense. That is, some of the devices in the diagram can be implemented by virtual machines (VMs), containers, docking stations, etc., and can be implemented on physically identical hardware.

[0203] Note that the terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R) can support radio access technologies (RATs), such as LTE, New Radio (NR), 6G in 3GPP, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. In this case, the terminal device 40 can be configured to use different radio access technologies (wireless communication schemes). For example, the terminal device 40 can be configured to use NR and Wi-Fi.

[0204] Furthermore, terminal device 40 can be configured to use different cellular communication technologies (e.g., LTE, NR, and 6G). Each of LTE, NR, and 6G is a type of cellular communication technology, and mobile communication of terminal device 40 is enabled by arranging multiple areas covered by base station 20 in a cell shape. Note that the radio access scheme used by communication system S is not limited to LTE, NR, and 6G, and can be other radio access schemes such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA 2000).

[0205] In the following description, "LTE" includes LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro), and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA). Furthermore, NR includes New Radio Access Technology (NRAT), Further EUTRA (FEUTRA), NR-Advanced (NR-A), and NR-Advanced Pro (NR-A Pro). Note that a single base station 20 can manage multiple cells C. In the following description, the cell C corresponding to LTE is referred to as an LTE cell, and the cell C corresponding to NR is referred to as an NR cell.

[0206] NR is the next-generation (fifth-generation) radio access technology following LTE (including LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro, the fourth-generation communication). NR is a radio access technology that can support a variety of use cases, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). NR has been studied in terms of the technical framework addressing the use cases, requirements, deployment scenarios, etc., for those use cases. Furthermore, 6G (sixth generation) is the next-generation communication system (sixth-generation communication system) for LTE and NR, and the standard is being developed by 3GPP (registered trademark) or another standardization organization. In addition to the use cases assumed by LTE and NR, various use cases assuming integration with AI, sensing technologies, computing resources, etc., have been studied in 6G. Note that in this specification, the names used in LTE and / or NR (e.g., eNB or gNB) will be used for description, but these names can be replaced with those used in 6G (e.g., xNB).

[0207] It should be noted that terminal device 40 may be able to connect to the network using radio access technologies (wireless communication schemes) other than LTE, NR, 6G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. For example, terminal device 40 may be able to connect to the network using low-power wide-area (LPWA) communication. Furthermore, terminal device 40 may be able to connect to the network using proprietary standard radio access technologies.

[0208] Here, LPWA communication refers to wireless communication that enables low-power wide-area communication. For example, LPWA radio is Internet of Things (IoT) wireless communication that uses specific low-power radio frequencies (e.g., the 920 MHz band) or Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) bands. Note that the LPWA communication used by terminal device 40 can conform to LPWA standards. Examples of LPWA standards include ELTRES, ZETA, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT. Of course, LPWA standards are not limited to these and can be other LPWA standards.

[0209] One or more communication paths may include virtual networks. For example, the multiple communication paths that terminal device 40 can connect to may include virtual networks (such as Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)) and physical networks (such as IP communication paths). In this case, terminal device 40 can perform routing control based on routing control protocols (such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) or Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)).

[0210] In addition, multiple communication paths may include one or more overlay networks, or one or more network slices.

[0211] The base station 20 included in the communication system S can be a ground station or a non-ground station. The non-ground station can be a satellite station or an aviation station. If the non-ground station is a satellite station, then the communication system S can be a curved (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0212] In this embodiment, a ground station (also referred to as a ground base station) refers to a base station 20 (including relay stations) installed on the ground. Here, the phrase "on the ground" refers not only to land, but also broadly to land, water, and underwater. Note that in the following description, the term "ground station" may be replaced with "gateway".

[0213] Note that in LTE, base station 20 can be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or eNB. Additionally, in NR, base station 20 can be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In both LTE and NR, terminal equipment 40 (also called a mobile station or terminal) can be referred to as user equipment (UE). Note that terminal equipment 40 is a type of communication device and is also referred to as a mobile station or terminal.

[0214] In this embodiment, the concept of a communication device includes not only portable mobile devices (terminal devices) such as mobile terminals, but also devices installed in structures or mobile bodies. The structure or mobile body itself can be considered a communication device. Furthermore, the concept of a communication device includes not only terminal device 40, but also base station 20 and relay station. A communication device is a type of processing device and information processing device. Additionally, a communication device can also be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0215] The configuration of each device included in the communication system S will be described in detail below. Note that the configuration of each device described below is merely an example. The configuration of each device may differ from the configurations described below.

[0216] <2.2. Example of base station configuration>

[0217] Base station 20 can be restated as base station (BS) 20.

[0218] Base station 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with terminal device 40. Base station 20 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with terminal device 40 via a relay station, or it can be configured to communicate wirelessly directly with terminal device 40.

[0219] Base station 20 is a type of communication device. More specifically, base station 20 is, for example, a device corresponding to a wireless base station (Node B, eNB, gNB, etc.) or a wireless access point. Base station 20 can be a wireless relay station. Additionally, base station 20 can be an optical feeder device known as a Remote Radio Head (RRH) or Radio Unit (RU). Base station 20 can also be a receiving station, such as a Field Pickup Unit (FPU). Furthermore, base station 20 can be an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) donor node or IAB relay node that provides radio access lines and radio backhaul lines through time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0220] Note that the radio access technology used by base station 20 can be cellular communication technology or wireless LAN technology. Of course, the radio access technology used by base station 20 is not limited to these and can be another radio access technology. For example, the radio access technology used by base station 20 can be low-power wide-area (LPWA) communication technology. Of course, the wireless communication used by base station 20 can be millimeter-wave wireless communication. Additionally, the wireless communication used by base station 20 can be wireless communication using radio waves, or (optical) wireless communication using infrared or visible light. Furthermore, base station 20 can be able to perform non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) communication with terminal device 40. Here, NOMA communication is communication using non-orthogonal resources (transmission, reception, or both). Note that base station 20 can perform NOMA communication with another base station 20.

[0221] Note that base stations 20 can communicate with each other via a base station core network interface (e.g., an NG interface or an S1 interface). This interface can be a wired interface or a wireless interface. Additionally, base stations can communicate with each other via an inter-base station interface (e.g., an Xn interface, an X2 interface, an S1 interface, or an F1 interface). This interface can be a wired interface or a wireless interface.

[0222] It is important to note that the concept of a base station includes not only donor base stations but also relay base stations (also known as relay stations). For example, a relay base station can be any of an RF repeater, a smart repeater, and a smart surface. Furthermore, the concept of a base station includes not only the structure with base station functions but also the equipment installed within that structure.

[0223] Structures include, for example, buildings such as high-rise buildings, houses, steel towers, station facilities, airport facilities, port facilities, office buildings, school buildings, hospitals, factories, commercial facilities, or stadiums. It's important to note that the concept of structure includes not only buildings but also non-building structures such as tunnels, bridges, dams, fences, or steel columns, or facilities such as cranes, gates, or windmills. Furthermore, the concept of structure includes not only structures on land (in a narrow sense, on the ground) or within the ground but also structures on water, such as docks or giant pontoons, or underwater structures such as marine observation facilities. A base station can be rephrased as an information processing device.

[0224] Base station 20 can be a donor station or a relay station. Furthermore, base station 20 can be a fixed station or a mobile station. A mobile station is a wireless communication device configured to be mobile (e.g., a base station). Here, base station 20 can be a device mounted on a mobile body, or it can be the mobile body itself. For example, a mobile relay station can be considered as base station 20 as a mobile station. Additionally, devices that are inherently mobile (such as vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represented by drones, or smartphones) and have base station functions (at least a portion of the base station functions) also correspond to base station 20 as a mobile station.

[0225] Here, a mobile body can be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or mobile phone. A mobile body can be one that moves on land (in a narrow sense, on the ground) (e.g., vehicles such as cars, bicycles, buses, trucks, motorcycles, trains, or linear motor vehicles), or one that moves within the ground (e.g., inside a tunnel) (e.g., a subway). Additionally, a mobile body can be one that moves on water (e.g., ships such as passenger ships, cargo ships, or hovercraft), or one that moves underwater (e.g., submarines such as submarines, submersibles, or unmanned underwater vehicles). Note that a mobile body can also be one that moves in the atmosphere (e.g., aircraft such as airplanes, airships, or drones).

[0226] Furthermore, base station 20 can be a ground-based base station (ground station) installed on the ground. For example, base station 20 can be a base station located in a structure on the ground, or it can be a base station installed in a mobile body that moves on the ground. More specifically, base station 20 can be an antenna installed in a structure such as a building, and signal processing equipment connected to that antenna. Of course, base station 20 can be the structure or the mobile body itself. The phrase "on the ground" refers not only to land (in a narrow sense) but also broadly to land, water, and underwater. Note that base station 20 is not limited to ground-based base stations. For example, in the case where the communication system S is a satellite communication system, base station 20 can be an air station. From the perspective of a satellite station, an air station located on Earth is a ground station.

[0227] It should be noted that base station 20 is not limited to ground stations. Base station 20 can be a non-ground base station (non-ground station) that can float in the air or space. For example, base station 20 can be an air station or a satellite station.

[0228] A satellite station is a device capable of floating outside the atmosphere. A satellite station can be a device mounted on a spacecraft, such as a satellite, or it can be the spacecraft itself. A spacecraft is a moving body that moves outside the atmosphere. Examples of spacecraft include man-made objects such as satellites, spacecraft, space stations, and probes. A satellite used as a satellite station can be any of the following: a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, or a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite. Of course, a satellite station can be a device mounted on an LEO, MEO, GEO, or HEO satellite.

[0229] An aircraft station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the atmosphere, such as an aircraft. An aircraft station can be a device mounted on an aircraft, or it can be the aircraft itself. It's important to note that the concept of an aircraft includes not only heavy aircraft such as airplanes or gliders, but also light aircraft such as balloons or airships. Furthermore, the concept of an aircraft includes not only heavy and light aircraft, but also rotorcraft such as helicopters or autogyros. It's also important to note that an aircraft station (or an aircraft on which an aircraft station is mounted) can be an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as a drone.

[0230] It is important to note that the concept of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also includes unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAS) and tethered UASs. The concept also includes lighter-than-air UASs (LTA) and heavier-than-air UASs (HTA). Furthermore, the concept of UAVs also includes high-altitude UAS platforms (HAPs).

[0231] The coverage area of ​​base station 20 can be as large as a macrocell or as small as a picocell. Alternatively, the coverage area of ​​base station 20 can be extremely small, like a femtocell. Furthermore, base station 20 can have beamforming capabilities. In this case, base station 20 can form a cell or service area for each beam.

[0232] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a base station 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 20 includes a signal processing unit 21, a memory 22, and a control unit 23. Note that... Figure 7The configuration shown is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may differ. Furthermore, the functionality of base station 20 may be distributed across and implemented in multiple physically separate components. Some or all of base station 20 may be implemented in a circuit system or using a circuit system.

[0233] Signal processing unit 21 is a signal processing unit for communicating wirelessly with another wireless communication device (e.g., terminal device 40 or another base station 20). Signal processing unit 21 operates under the control of control unit 23. Signal processing unit 21 supports one or more radio access schemes. For example, signal processing unit 21 supports both NR and LTE. In addition to supporting NR or LTE, signal processing unit 21 can also support W-CDMA or cdma2000. Furthermore, signal processing unit 21 can support automatic repeater technologies such as Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ).

[0234] The signal processing unit 21 includes a transmit processing unit 211, a receive processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. The signal processing unit 21 may include multiple transmit processing units 211, multiple receive processing units 212, and multiple antennas 213. Note that when the signal processing unit 21 supports multiple radio access schemes, each unit of the signal processing unit 21 can be configured individually for each radio access scheme. For example, the transmit processing unit 211 and the receive processing unit 212 can be configured individually for each of LTE and NR. Furthermore, the antenna 213 may include multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple patch antennas). In this case, the signal processing unit 21 can be configured to perform beamforming. The signal processing unit 21 can be configured to perform polarization beamforming using vertically polarized waves (V-polarized waves) and horizontally polarized waves (H-polarized waves).

[0235] The transmission processing unit 211 performs transmission processing of downlink control information and downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 23 using encoding methods such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, encoding using polar codes and encoding using low-density parity-check codes (LDPC codes) can be performed. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 modulates the encoded bits using a predetermined modulation scheme (such as BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM). In this case, the signal points on the constellation diagram do not need to be equidistant. The constellation diagram can be a non-uniform constellation diagram (NUC). Then, the transmission processing unit 211 multiplexes the modulation symbols and downlink reference signals for each channel and maps them to predetermined resource elements. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 performs various types of signal processing on the multiplexed signals. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 performs processes such as: converting to the frequency domain via Fast Fourier Transform, adding a guard interval (cyclic prefix), generating a baseband digital signal, converting to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removing additional frequency components, or power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 211 is transmitted from the antenna 213.

[0236] The receiving processing unit 212 processes the uplink signal received via antenna 213. For example, the receiving processing unit 212 performs down-conversion, removes unwanted frequency components, controls amplification levels, performs quadrature demodulation, converts the uplink signal to a digital signal, removes guard intervals (cyclic prefixes), and extracts the frequency domain signal using fast Fourier transform. Then, the receiving processing unit 212 separates the uplink channel (such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH)) from the processed signal and the uplink reference signal. Additionally, the receiving processing unit 212 demodulates the received signal of the modulated symbols used for the uplink channel using a modulation scheme such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). The modulation scheme used for demodulation can be 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 64-QAM, or 256-QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation diagram do not need to be equidistant. The constellation diagram can be a non-uniform constellation diagram (NUC). Then, the receiving processing unit 212 performs decoding processing on the encoded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 23.

[0237] Antenna 213 is an antenna device (antenna element) that converts current and radio waves to each other. Antenna 213 may include one antenna element (e.g., a patch antenna) or may include multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple patch antennas). When antenna 213 includes multiple antenna elements, signal processing unit 21 can be configured for beamforming. For example, signal processing unit 21 can be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of radio signals using multiple antenna elements. Note that antenna 213 can be a dual-polarized antenna. When antenna 213 is a dual-polarized antenna, signal processing unit 21 can use vertically polarized waves (V-polarized waves) and horizontally polarized waves (H-polarized waves) in radio signal transmission. Then, signal processing unit 21 can control the directivity of the radio signals transmitted using vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves. Furthermore, signal processing unit 21 can transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals via multiple layers including multiple antenna elements.

[0238] Memory 22 is a storage device from which data can be read and written, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or hard disk. Memory 22 serves as a storage component of base station 20.

[0239] Control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of base station 20. Control unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, control unit 23 is implemented such that the processor executes various programs stored in a storage device within base station 20 using RAM or the like as a working area. Note that control unit 23 can be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. CPUs, MPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs can all be considered controllers. Furthermore, control unit 23 can also be implemented using a GPU, as a supplement to or replacement of the CPU.

[0240] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231 and a notification unit 232. Each block included in the control unit 23 (acquisition unit 231 and notification unit 232) is a functional block that instructs the function of the control unit 23. These functional blocks can be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above functional blocks can be a software module implemented by software (including microprograms), or it can be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block can be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 23 can be configured with functional units different from the above functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary. The operation of each block of the control unit 23 can be the same as the operation of each block of the control unit 43 of the terminal device 40.

[0241] In this embodiment, base station 20 may include a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in this embodiment, base station 20 may be distinguished as multiple devices, such as baseband unit (BBU) and radio unit (RU). Thus, base station 20 can be interpreted as an assembly of multiple devices. Furthermore, base station 20 may be a BBU or an RU, or both. BBU and RU can be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., enhanced universal public radio interface (eCPRI)). RU may be referred to as remote radio unit (RRU) or radio point (RD). Furthermore, RU may correspond to the gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) described below. Additionally, BBU may correspond to the gNB central unit (gNB-CU) described below. Alternatively, RU may be a wireless device connected to the gNB-DU described below. gNB-CU, gNB-DU, and RU connected to gNB-DU may be configured to conform to Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). Furthermore, RU may be a device integrated with an antenna. The antenna of base station 20 (e.g., an antenna integrated with the RU) may employ an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., full-dimensional (FD)-MIMO) or beamforming. Furthermore, the antenna included in base station 20 may include, for example, 64 transmit antenna ports and 64 receive antenna ports.

[0242] Furthermore, the antenna mounted on the RU can be an antenna panel comprising one or more antenna elements, and the RU can be equipped with one or more antenna panels. For example, the RU can be equipped with two types of antenna panels, including horizontally polarized antenna panels and vertically polarized antenna panels, or two types of antenna panels, including clockwise circularly polarized antenna panels and counterclockwise circularly polarized antenna panels. Additionally, the RU can form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0243] Multiple base stations 20 can be interconnected. A radio access network (RAN) may include one or more base stations 20. In this context, base station 20 may be simply referred to as RAN, RAN node, access network (AN), or AN node. Note that the RAN in LTE can be called Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). Furthermore, the RAN in NR can be called NGRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) can be called UTRAN.

[0244] Note that in LTE, base station 20 can be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or eNB. In this case, EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). Similarly, in NR, base station 20 can be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In this case, NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. EUTRAN can include gNBs (en-gNBs) connected to the core network (EPC) in the LTE communication system (EPS). Likewise, NGRAN can include ng-eNBs connected to the core network 5GC in the 5G communication system (5GS).

[0245] When base station 20 is an eNB, gNB, etc., base station 20 can be referred to as a 3GPP access point. Furthermore, when base station 20 is a radio access point, base station 20 can be referred to as a non-3GPP access point. Additionally, base station 20 can be an optical feeder device referred to as a Remote Radio Head (RRH) or Radio Unit (RU). Furthermore, when base station 20 is a gNB, base station 20 can be a combination of the aforementioned gNB-CU and gNB-DU, or any one of gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0246] Here, the gNB-CU hosts several higher-layer protocols (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)) within the access layer for communication with the UE. Conversely, the gNB-DU hosts several lower-layer protocols (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical Layer (PHY)) within the access layer. That is, in the messages / information described later, RRC signaling (semi-static notification) can be generated by the gNB-CU, while MAC CE or DCI (dynamic notification) can be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, in RRC configuration (semi-static notification), for example, some configurations (such as IE:cellGroupConfig) can be generated by the gNB-DU, while the remaining configurations can be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations can be sent and received via the F1 interface described below.

[0247] Base station 20 can be configured to communicate with another base station 20. For example, in the case where multiple base stations 20 are eNBs or a combination of eNB and en-gNB, base stations 20 can be connected via the X2 interface. Additionally, in the case where multiple base stations 20 are gNBs or a combination of gn-eNB and gNB, base stations 20 can be connected via the Xn interface. Furthermore, in the case where multiple base stations 20 are a combination of gNB-CU and gNB DU, base stations 20 can be connected via the aforementioned F1 interface. Messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC control elements (MAC CE), or DCI) described later can be transmitted between multiple base stations 20, for example, via the X2 interface, Xn interface, or F1 interface.

[0248] The cell provided by base station 20 can be referred to as the serving cell. The concept of a serving cell includes primary cells (PCells) and secondary cells (SCells). When dual connectivity is configured for a UE (e.g., terminal device 40), the PCell provided by the primary node (MN) and zero or more SCells can be referred to as the primary cell group. Examples of dual connectivity include EUTRA-EUTRA dual connectivity, EUTRA-NR dual connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR dual connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA dual connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR dual connectivity.

[0249] The serving cell can include primary secondary cells or primary SCG cells (PSCells). When dual connectivity is configured for the UE, zero or more SCells provided by the secondary node (SN) and the PSCell are referred to as a secondary cell group (SCG). Unless specifically configured (e.g., the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) on the SCell), the PUCCH is transmitted by the PCell and PSCell, not by the SCell. Radio link failures are detected in the PCell and PSCell, but not in the SCell (no detection is required). Because the PCell and PSCell have the special roles described above in the serving cell, they are also referred to as special cells (SpCells).

[0250] A downlink component carrier and an uplink component carrier can be associated with a cell. Furthermore, the system bandwidth corresponding to a cell can be divided into multiple bandwidth portions (BWPs). In this case, one or more BWPs can be configured for the UE, and one bandwidth portion can be used as the active BWP for the UE. Additionally, the radio resources available to the terminal device 40 (e.g., frequency bands, digital parameters (subcarrier spacing), and time slot configurations) can differ for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0251] <2-3. Configuration of Terminal Equipment>

[0252] Terminal device 40 can be any type of computer, such as a mobile terminal, imaging device, M2M device, IoT device, wearable device, or xR device.

[0253] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 40 includes a signal processing unit 41, a memory 42, and a control unit 43. Note that... Figure 8 The configuration shown is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may differ. Furthermore, the functionality of the terminal device 40 may be distributed across and implemented in multiple physically separate components. Some or all of the terminal device 40 may be implemented in a circuit system or using a circuit system.

[0254] Signal processing unit 41 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with another wireless communication device (e.g., base station 20 and another terminal device 40). Signal processing unit 41 operates under the control of control unit 43. Signal processing unit 41 includes a transmitting processing unit 411, a receiving processing unit 412, and an antenna 413. These components may be similar to signal processing unit 21, transmitting processing unit 211, receiving processing unit 212, and antenna 213 of base station 20. Furthermore, similar to signal processing unit 21, signal processing unit 41 may be configured to be beamformable. Furthermore, similar to signal processing unit 21, signal processing unit 41 may be configured to transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals.

[0255] Memory 42 is a storage device from which data can be read and written, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or hard disk. Memory 42 serves as a storage component of terminal device 40.

[0256] Control unit 43 is a controller for each unit of terminal device 40. Control unit 43 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, control unit 43 is implemented such that the processor executes various programs stored in a storage device within terminal device 40 using RAM or the like as a workspace. Note that control unit 43 can be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. CPUs, MPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs can all be considered controllers. Furthermore, control unit 43 can be implemented using a GPU, as a supplement to or replacement of the CPU.

[0257] like Figure 8As shown, the control unit 43 includes an acquisition unit 431 and a notification unit 432. Each block included in the control unit 43 (acquisition unit 431 and notification unit 432) is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 43. These functional blocks can be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above functional blocks can be a software module implemented by software (including microprograms), or it can be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block can be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 43 can be configured with functional units different from the above functional blocks. The method of configuring functional blocks is arbitrary. The operation of each block of the control unit 43 can be the same as the operation of each block of the control unit 23 of the base station 20.

[0258] <2-4. Configuration of Repeater Equipment>

[0259] RIS 30 can be restated as relay device 30. Relay device 30 is a communication device that relays communication between terminal devices 40 via a relay-side link.

[0260] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a relay device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The relay device 30 includes a relay unit 31, a signal processing unit 32, a memory 33, and a control unit 34. Note that... Figure 9 The configuration shown is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may differ. Furthermore, the functionality of the relay device 30 may be distributed across and implemented in multiple physically separate components. Some or all of the relay device 30 may be implemented in a circuit system or using a circuit system.

[0261] The relay unit 31 transmits the side-link signal sent by the transmitting device 40T to the receiving device 40R. The relay unit 31 operates under the control of the control unit 34. The relay unit 31 includes an antenna unit 311.

[0262] Antenna unit 311 relays the side-link communication SL-R performed between transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R. Antenna unit 311 may include multiple antennas.

[0263] Although not shown, repeater unit 31 may include, for example, an amplifier or a phase shifter. For instance, repeater unit 31 may amplify a sidelink signal transmitted by transmitting device 40T and transmit the sidelink signal to receiving device 40R. Repeater unit 31 may be configured for beamforming.

[0264] Signal processing unit 32 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with another wireless communication device (e.g., base station 20 and terminal device 40). Signal processing unit 32 operates under the control of control unit 34. Signal processing unit 32 includes a transmitting processing unit 321, a receiving processing unit 322, and an antenna unit 323. These components may be similar to signal processing unit 21, transmitting processing unit 211, receiving processing unit 212, and antenna 213 of base station 20. Furthermore, similar to signal processing unit 21, signal processing unit 32 may be configured to be beamformable. Furthermore, similar to signal processing unit 21, signal processing unit 32 may be configured to transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals.

[0265] Note that when the relay device 30 receives signals (e.g., control signals) from another wireless communication device without transmitting signals to another wireless communication device, the transmission processing unit 321 can be omitted. Furthermore, when the relay device 30 is configured to transmit and / or receive only predetermined signals (e.g., control signals or known signals), the transmission processing unit 321 and / or the reception processing unit 322 can be configured to transmit and / or receive only predetermined signals.

[0266] Furthermore, at least some configurations and / or functions of antenna units 311 and 323 can be shared. At least some configurations and / or functions of relay unit 31 and signal processing unit 32 can be shared.

[0267] Memory 33 is a storage device from which data can be read and written, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or hard disk. Memory 33 serves as a storage component of relay device 30.

[0268] Control unit 34 is a controller that controls each unit of relay device 30. Control unit 34 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For instance, control unit 34 is implemented such that the processor executes various programs stored in a storage device within relay device 30 using RAM or the like as a workspace. Note that control unit 34 can be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. CPUs, MPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs can all be considered controllers. Furthermore, control unit 34 can be implemented using a GPU, as a supplement to or replacement of the CPU.

[0269] For example, relay unit 31 is a functional block for implementing RIS-FW. Furthermore, signal processing unit 32 is a functional block for implementing RIS-MT.

[0270] <<3. RIS Control Methods>>

[0271] The RIS 30 of the communication system S relays the SL-R communication via a communication node. The method for controlling the RIS 30 using the communication node to control the RIS 30 will be described below.

[0272] <<3-1. Control of the transmitting device>>

[0273] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a first control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the transmitting device 40T controls the RIS 30.

[0274] like Figure 10 As shown, the RIS 30 according to this embodiment includes a RIS-MT and a RIS-FW. The RIS-MT of the RIS 30 is defined as a functional entity for communicating with the transmitting device 40T via a control link to send and receive control information.

[0275] The RIS-FW is defined as a functional entity used to perform the repetition (amplification and forwarding) of sidelink radio signals between the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R via the backhaul link and access link. Here, the operation of the RIS-FW can be controlled by control information from the transmitting device 40T.

[0276] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example flow of a first control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0277] The transmitting device 40T (Tx UE) sends control information (hereinafter also referred to as RIS control information) to RIS 30 (RIS-MT) via the control link (step S101) and controls RIS 30. RIS control information can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0278] When the RIS 30 (RIS-MT) receives RIS control information from the transmitting device 40T via the control link, the control of the RIS 30 is performed based on the RIS control information.

[0279] Transmitting device 40T sends the transmission data intended for receiving device 40R (Rx UE) to RIS 30 (step S102). Transmitting device 40T transmits the data via the backhaul link (see...). Figure 10 Data can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0280] like Figure 11 As shown, RIS 30 (RIS-FW) sends the transmitted data received from transmitting device 40T to receiving device 40R (step S103). RIS 30 repeats (relays or reflects) the transmitted data received via the backhaul link through the access link (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0281] For example, when the sidelink resource allocation mode is sidelink resource allocation mode 2, the first control method for controlling RIS 30 by transmitting device 40T is a suitable method. The first control method can be applied when transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 2. The first control method can also be applied when transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 1 and RIS 30 is located outside the coverage area of ​​the base station equipment (outside the communication area).

[0282] <3-2. Control performed by the receiving device>

[0283] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a second control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the receiving device 40R controls the RIS 30.

[0284] like Figure 12 As shown, the RIS 30 according to this embodiment includes a RIS-MT and a RIS-FW. The RIS-MT of the RIS 30 communicates with the receiving device 40R via a control link to send and receive control information. The operation of the RIS-FW of the RIS 30 can be controlled by control information from the receiving device 40R.

[0285] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a second control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] The receiving device 40R (Rx UE) sends RIS control information to RIS 30 (RIS-MT) via the control link (step S111) and controls RIS 30. The RIS control information can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0287] When the RIS 30 (RIS-MT) receives RIS control information from the receiving device 40R via the control link, the control of the RIS 30 will be performed based on the RIS control information.

[0288] Due to the following operations and Figure 11 The operations are the same as those in the previous section, so their description will be omitted.

[0289] For example, when the sidelink resource allocation mode is sidelink resource allocation mode 2, the second control method for the receiving device 40R to control the RIS 30 is a suitable method. The second control method can be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 2. The second control method can also be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 1 and the RIS 30 is located outside the coverage area of ​​the base station equipment (outside the communication area).

[0290] <3-3. Control of transmitting and receiving devices>

[0291] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a third control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, both the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R control RIS 30.

[0292] like Figure 14 As shown, the RIS 30 according to this embodiment includes a RIS-MT and a RIS-FW. The RIS-MT of the RIS 30 communicates with the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R via a control link to send and receive control information. The operation of the RIS-FW of the RIS 30 can be controlled by control information from the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R.

[0293] Figure 15 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a third control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0294] The transmitting device 40T (Tx UE) sends RIS control information to RIS 30 (RIS-MT) via the control link (step S121) and controls RIS 30. RIS control information can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0295] The receiving device 40R (Rx UE) sends RIS control information to RIS 30 (RIS-MT) via the control link (step S122) and controls RIS 30. The RIS control information can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0296] When the RIS 30 (RIS-MT) receives RIS control information from the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R through the control link, the control of the RIS 30 is performed based on the RIS control information.

[0297] Due to the following operations and Figure 11 The operations are the same as those in the previous section, so their description will be omitted.

[0298] In the third control method, the control of RIS 30 performed by the transmitting device 40T and the control of RIS 30 performed by the receiving device 40R can be different from each other. For example, the transmitting device 40T performs on / off control of RIS 30. On the other hand, the receiving device 40R performs beam control of RIS 30.

[0299] Furthermore, in the third control method, the control of RIS 30 performed by the transmitting device 40T and the control of RIS 30 performed by the receiving device 40R can be the same for each other. In this case, the priority of RIS control (priority of RIS control information) of the transmitting device 40T or the receiving device 40R can be preset or defined. RIS 30 is controlled based on the RIS control information with higher priority.

[0300] Alternatively, RIS 30 can be controlled based on the latest RIS control information. When new RIS control information is received from the transmitting device 40T or the receiving device 40R, RIS 30 discards the old RIS control information and controls RIS 30 based on the newly received RIS control information.

[0301] For example, when the sidelink resource allocation mode is sidelink resource allocation mode 2, a third control method for the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R to control the RIS 30 is a suitable method. The third control method can be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 2. The third control method can also be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 1 and the RIS 30 is located outside the coverage area of ​​the base station equipment (outside the communication area).

[0302] <3-4. Control measures performed by the base station>

[0303] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, base station 20 controls RIS30.

[0304] like Figure 16 As shown, the RIS 30 according to this embodiment includes a RIS-MT and a RIS-FW. The RIS-MT of the RIS 30 communicates with the base station 20 (gNB) via a control link to send and receive control information. The operation of the RIS-FW of the RIS 30 can be controlled by control information from the base station 20.

[0305] In addition, the transmitting device 40T communicates with the base station 20 via the Uu link in order to send and receive control information related to side link communication.

[0306] Figure 17 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fourth control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0307] Base station 20 (gNB) sends RIS control information to RIS 30 (RIS-MT) via the control link (step S131) ​​and controls RIS 30. The RIS control information can be sent using PDCCH and / or PDSCH.

[0308] When the RIS 30 (RIS-MT) receives RIS control information from the receiving device 40R via the control link, the control of the RIS 30 is performed based on the RIS control information.

[0309] Base station 20 sends control information (sidelink grant) related to sidelink communication to transmitting device 40T (step S132). Transmitting device 40T performs sidelink communication based on the sidelink grant received via the Uu link (downlink). The sidelink grant can be sent using PDCCH.

[0310] Due to the following operations and Figure 11 The operations are the same as those in the previous section, so their description will be omitted.

[0311] For example, when the sidelink resource allocation mode is sidelink resource allocation mode 1, the fourth control method for base station 20 to control RIS30 is a suitable method. The fourth control method can be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 1. The fourth control method can also be applied when the transmitting device 40T is in sidelink resource allocation mode 2 and RIS30 is within the coverage area (communication area) of the base station device.

[0312] In the fourth control method, base station 20 controls RIS 30, but the communication node controlling RIS 30 is not limited to base station 20. For example, another terminal device 40 (e.g., a primary terminal device or a primary terminal device) can send RIS control information to RIS 30 on behalf of base station 20. RIS control information can be sent using PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0313] <3-5. Pre-configuration of RIS>

[0314] In sidelink communication, predetermined control information can be pre-configured in a way that allows communication between terminal devices 40 even when the terminal devices 40 are located outside the communication area (outside the coverage area) of the base station 20.

[0315] In this embodiment, predetermined control information can be pre-configured in a manner that enables communication between terminal devices 40 even when RIS 30 is located outside the communication area (outside the coverage area) of base station 20.

[0316] For example, if RIS 30 is located outside the coverage area of ​​base station 20 and is controlled by terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and / or another terminal device 40), RIS 30 cannot receive RRC signaling from base station 20. Therefore, RIS 30 uses pre-configured RIS control information.

[0317] In this scenario, the RIS control information pre-configured in RIS 30 can be configured (overwritten or updated) by the terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and / or another terminal device 40). For example, when a terminal device 40 performs sidelink communication through RIS 30, the terminal device 40 can notify RIS 30 of control information.

[0318] When the RIS control information is configured by the terminal device 40, the RIS control information can also be configured (notified) by the base station 20. For example, the terminal device 40 notifies the RIS 30 of the RIS control information received from the base station 20. In this way, the base station 20 can configure the RIS control information via the terminal device 40.

[0319] When the base station 20 controls the RIS 30, the RIS control information can be configured by the base station 20. Alternatively, even if the RIS 30 is within the coverage area of ​​the base station 20 but is controlled by the terminal device 40, the RIS control information can still be configured by the base station 20.

[0320] For example, if RIS 30 is able to receive RRC signaling from base station 20, RIS 30 can use the RIS control information configured by base station 20 without using pre-configured RIS control information.

[0321] Furthermore, the predetermined RIS control information (the aforementioned RIS control information) may include all or some of the control information in the RIS 30 described in this embodiment. For example, the RIS control information may include control information related to beamforming in sidelink communication, control information related to on / off control in sidelink communication, and control information related to power control in sidelink communication.

[0322] <<4. RIS Control Examples>>

[0323] The following section will describe a control example of the RIS 30.

[0324] <4-1. Beamforming>

[0325] In this embodiment, various methods can be used for beam control in sidelink communication. For example, beam control can be dynamically performed using physical layer signaling (such as PDCCH or PSCCH) or semi-statically performed using RRC or MAC signaling.

[0326] As a first beam control, for example, RIS 30 controls the receive beam used in the backhaul link from the transmitting device 40T and / or the transmit beam used in the access link toward the receiving device 40R.

[0327] The control methods for receiving the beam and transmitting the beam can be executed separately. For example, the control of the receiving beam in the RIS30 can be semi-statically executed using RRC or MAC signaling, while the control of the transmitting beam in the RIS30 can be dynamically executed using physical layer signaling.

[0328] Furthermore, for example, the receive beam in RIS 30 can be dynamically controlled using physical layer signaling, while the transmit beam in RIS 30 can be semi-statically controlled using RRC or MAC signaling.

[0329] As a second beam control, RIS 30 controls the weighting (phase rotation) of its antenna elements (e.g., antenna element 311). For example, RIS 30 controls reflections from the backhaul link of transmitting device 40T and the access link toward receiving device 40R.

[0330] As a third beam control mechanism, the RIS 30 controls the incident auxiliary modulation scheme. Here, the auxiliary modulation scheme is the distribution of power and frequency band.

[0331] <4-2. Repeated On / Off Control>

[0332] The on / off control in the sidelink communication according to this embodiment includes the control of the operation of the RIS 30 (RIS-FW) in the on and off states.

[0333] Here, the "on" state of RIS 30 refers to the operational state of the parts (modules or devices) related to the RIS-FW of RIS 30. For example, when RIS 30 is in the "on" state, the antenna elements of RIS 30 are powered on.

[0334] The RIS 30's off state is a state in which the parts (modules or devices) related to the RIS-FW of the RIS 30 are not operational. For example, when the RIS 30 is in the off state, the antenna elements of the RIS 30 are not powered on.

[0335] For example, RIS 30 (RIS-FW) is always in the off state, and when the RIS control information indicates that it is in the on state, RIS 30 moves to (switches to) the on state.

[0336] Alternatively, for example, RIS 30 (RIS-FW) is always on, and RIS 30 moves to (switch to) the off state when the RIS control information indicates that it is off.

[0337] Furthermore, RIS control information can explicitly indicate (control) the on or off state. For example, RIS control information includes a 1-bit status information indicating the state of RIS 30. When RIS 30 is in the on state, the status information is "1". On the other hand, when RIS 30 is in the off state, the status information is "0".

[0338] Additionally, for example, the RIS control information includes a 1-bit trigger information. For instance, when the trigger information of the RIS control information is "1", the RIS 30 switches between an on and off state. On the other hand, when the trigger information of the RIS control information is "0", the RIS 30 does not switch between an on and off state and maintains the current state.

[0339] Furthermore, notifications of on or off states can be implicitly linked to other control information. For example, a notification of an on or off state might be based on a notification from another RIS control (e.g., beam control).

[0340] Specifically, when another RIS control is executed based on RIS control information, the state of RIS 30 becomes "on". In other words, when another RIS control is executed without RIS control information, the state of RIS 30 becomes "off".

[0341] RIS control information used for on / off control may include information that explicitly or implicitly indicates at least one of the following:

[0342] - Time resources in the on or off state

[0343] - Frequency resources in the on or off state

[0344] - Spatial resources that are in an open or closed state

[0345] Information regarding time resources in the on or off state includes the time, time slot number, and frame number of the RIS 30 in the on or off state. Information regarding frequency resources in the on or off state includes resource block number, sub-channel number, and resource pool number. Information regarding spatial resources in the on or off state includes beam, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layer, transmit antenna, and receive antenna.

[0346] <4-3. Repetitive Power Control>

[0347] Power control in sidelink communication according to this embodiment includes control of the receive power on the backhaul link and / or the transmit power on the access link in the RIS 30 (RIS-FW).

[0348] (First power control)

[0349] In the first example of power control, RIS 30 controls the transmit power on the access link based on the receive power on the backhaul link and / or RIS control information.

[0350] For example, RIS control information includes control information related to the transmit power on the access link. For example, RIS control information includes transmit power information that explicitly or implicitly indicates the transmit power on the access link. RIS 30 determines the transmit power on the access link based on the transmit power information and outputs transmit data from the backhaul link to the access link.

[0351] Alternatively, for example, the RIS control information includes control information for determining the transmit power on the access link relative to the receive power on the backhaul link. The RIS 30 determines the transmit power on the access link based on the relative control information and the receive power on the backhaul link, and outputs the transmit data from the backhaul link to the access link.

[0352] Specifically, in RIS 30, with a receive power of 2 watts on the backhaul link and a relative control information indication of 0.5, the transmit power on the access link is determined to be 1 watt.

[0353] (Second power control)

[0354] In the example of the second power control, the transmit power on the access link is determined based on the path loss (distance, communication quality, etc.) between the RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R and / or RIS control information.

[0355] For example, RIS 30 is configured (notified) with information about the transmit power determined based on path loss via RIS control information. Next, RIS 30 acquires the path loss between RIS 30 and receiving device 40R in the access link. RIS 30 determines the transmit power on the access link based on the path loss and the RIS control information.

[0356] As will be described later, RIS 30 can obtain the path loss based on a reference signal transmitted from receiving device 40R, or it can obtain the path loss through a control link, etc. Therefore, RIS 30 can obtain the path loss using various methods.

[0357] (Third power control)

[0358] In the example of the third power control, the transmit power on the access link output from RIS 30 can be limited to be equal to or less than the receive power on the backhaul link. In other words, the transmit power on the access link output from RIS 30 is controlled to not exceed the receive power on the backhaul link.

[0359] In particular, the example of third power control is suitable for situations where the transmit power on the access link output from the RIS 30 does not exceed the receive power on the backhaul link, unless it is determined by law or other means.

[0360] If it is determined by law or other means that the transmit power on the access link output from the RIS 30 exceeds the receive power on the backhaul link, the transmit power can be configured to exceed the receive power on the backhaul link.

[0361] In this case, the RIS 30 is pre-configured with permission information that allows the transmit power on the access link to exceed the receive power on the backhaul link, or the permission information is received.

[0362] <<5. Example of RIS control information transmission>>

[0363] <5-1. Dedicated Control Channel and Dedicated Control Format>

[0364] This section describes the situation where RIS control information is communicated to the RIS via a dedicated control channel and control format for the RIS 30.

[0365] When base station 20 notifies RIS control information, a RIS-specific control channel and / or control format can be sent to a predetermined RIS 30. Alternatively, the RIS-specific control channel and / or control format can be sent to multiple predetermined RIS 30s (a predetermined RIS group).

[0366] The RIS-dedicated control channel can be defined as a downlink control channel distinct from conventional downlink control channels such as PDCCH / PDSCH. Base station 20 notifies RIS control information using a DCI addressed to RIS 30. This control information includes information related to sidelink communication between transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R (e.g., broadcast type).

[0367] In addition, the RIS-specific control format can be defined as a downlink control information format (DCI format) that is different from the conventional DCI format.

[0368] When a terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, or another terminal device 40) notifies a RIS control message, the RIS-specific control channel and / or control format can be sent to a predetermined RIS 30. Alternatively, the RIS-specific control channel and / or control format can be sent to multiple predetermined RIS 30s (a predetermined RIS group).

[0369] (First example of a dedicated control channel)

[0370] The RIS-specific control channel can be defined as a sidelink control channel that differs from conventional sidelink control channels such as PSCCH / PSSCH. For example, transmitting device 40T transmits PSCCH and PSSCH for receiving device 40R and transmits the RIS-specific control channel for RIS 30.

[0371] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a mapping of a dedicated control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the RIS dedicated control channel ( Figure 18 The R-PSCCH described in the image can be mapped to be multiplexed with the regular PSCCH in the frequency direction (in the image). Figure 18 (In the example, they are adjacent).

[0372] exist Figure 18 In the example, the number of symbols for the RIS-dedicated control channel (i.e., the time resources for the RIS-dedicated control channel) is the same as the number of symbols for the regular PSCCH. In this case, the number of symbols for the RIS-dedicated control channel is determined based on the control information used to configure the number of symbols for the regular PSCCH.

[0373] Furthermore, the number of resource blocks for the RIS dedicated control channel (i.e., the frequency resources of the RIS dedicated control channel) can be configured independently of the number of symbols in the regular PSCCH.

[0374] Furthermore, the starting position of the RIS-dedicated control channel in the frequency direction (the resource block used as the starting block) is determined based on the regular PSCCH. For example, the starting position of the RIS-dedicated control channel in the frequency direction is the resource block following the last resource block of the regular PSCCH.

[0375] (Second example of a dedicated control channel)

[0376] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a mapping of a dedicated control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the RIS dedicated control channel (in...) Figure 19 The R-PSCCH (described in the text) can be mapped to be multiplexed (e.g., adjacent) with the regular PSCCH in the time direction.

[0377] exist Figure 19 In the example, the RIS dedicated control channel is mapped to the symbol preceding the automatic gain control (AGC) symbol (before the first symbol of PSSCH and / or PSCCH).

[0378] For example, the RIS-specific control channel is mapped to the symbol preceding the AGC symbol. For example, the RIS-specific control channel is mapped to the symbol two positions preceding the first symbol of the PSSCH and / or PSCCH.

[0379] exist Figure 19 In this context, the RIS dedicated control channel is mapped to the symbol preceding the first symbol of PSSCH and / or PSCCH, but the mapping method of the control channel is not limited to this.

[0380] For example, the RIS dedicated control channel can be mapped to a symbol following the last symbol of the PSSCH. Alternatively, the RIS dedicated control channel can be mapped to a symbol immediately following the PSFCH. Or, the RIS dedicated control channel can be mapped to a symbol two positions after the last symbol of the PSSCH.

[0381] In addition, for example, the number of symbols in the RIS dedicated control channel can be fixed at one, or it can be configured by RRC signaling.

[0382] Furthermore, in the frequency direction of the RIS dedicated control channel, the number of resource blocks for the RIS dedicated control channel can be determined based on predetermined parameters. Alternatively, the number of resource blocks can be configured by RRC signaling.

[0383] For example, the predetermined parameters are the number of resource blocks in the resource pool, the number of resource blocks included in a sub-channel, the number of resource blocks in the PSCCH, and the number of resource blocks in the PSSCH. The number of resource blocks in the RIS dedicated control channel can be predefined to be the same as the predetermined parameters.

[0384] <5-2. Existing Dedicated Control Channels and Control Formats>

[0385] This section describes the scenario where RIS control information is communicated via a conventional (existing) dedicated control channel and control format. Specifically, the RIS control information is multiplexed and communicated with the control information addressed to the receiving device 40R.

[0386] When base station 20 notifies RIS control information, the RIS-specific control format can be sent to a predetermined RIS 30. Alternatively, the RIS-specific control format can be sent to multiple predetermined RIS 30s (a predetermined RIS group).

[0387] The RIS-specific control format can be defined as a DCI format different from the regular DCI format. The RIS-specific control format can be transmitted on the regular PDCCH.

[0388] When a terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R, and / or another terminal device 40) notifies the RIS control information, its RIS-specific SCI can be sent to a predetermined RIS 30. Alternatively, the RIS-specific SCI can be sent to multiple predetermined RIS 30s (a predetermined RIS group).

[0389] (First example of an existing control channel)

[0390] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of a mapping of an existing control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, sidelink control information in a RIS-specific control format (in...) Figure 20 The R-SCI (described in the text) is sent on the regular PSCCH.

[0391] In this scenario, the RIS-specific SCI (R-SCI) can be transmitted on the same PSCCH as the regular SCI (i.e., SCI format 1-A) (i.e., multiplexed with SCI format 1-A). Alternatively, the RIS-specific SCI can be transmitted on a different PSCCH than the regular SCI.

[0392] (Second example of an existing control channel)

[0393] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a mapping of an existing control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the sidelink control information in the RIS-specific control format (in...) Figure 21 The RIS-dedicated SCI (described as R-SCI) is transmitted on the regular PSSCH. That is, the RIS-dedicated SCI is multiplexed with the regular second SCI and SL-SCH on the regular PSSCH.

[0394] The mapping of the RIS-specific SCI to the regular PSSCH is determined based on the mapping of the regular second SCI. For example, the RIS-specific SCI is mapped consecutively with the regular second SCI.

[0395] (Third example of an existing control channel)

[0396] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of a mapping of a conventional control channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the sidelink control information in the RIS-specific control format (in...) Figure 22 The R-SCI (described in the text) is sent on the regular PSFCH.

[0397] In this scenario, the RIS-specific SCI can be transmitted on the same PSFCH as the regular HARQ-ACK (i.e., multiplexed with the HARQ-ACK). Alternatively, the RIS-specific SCI can be transmitted on a different PSFCH than the regular HARQ-ACK.

[0398] <5-3. Control Format for Receiving Devices>

[0399] Here, the terminal device 40 (receiving device 40R and / or another terminal device 40) multiplexes the RIS control information with the control format (conventional SCI) used for the receiving device 40R and notifies it.

[0400] For example, RIS control information is multiplexed (added) with the SCI used by the receiving device 40R via the PSCCH and / or PSSCH. In this case, the RIS control information can be transmitted as information different from the SCI used by the receiving device 40R (e.g., an SCI defined in a different SCI format). Alternatively, the RIS control information can be transmitted as control information within the SCI used by the receiving device 40R (i.e., as the same SCI format without distinction from the SCI used by the receiving device 40R).

[0401] That is, in this example, both receiving device 40R and RIS 30 receive PSCCH and SCI. However, the SCI required by receiving device 40R and RIS 30 can be different from each other. Therefore, receiving device 40R does not have to receive the SCI required by RIS 30 (in this case, receiving device 40R can be identified as reserved).

[0402] <<6. RIS Control Based on Broadcast Type>>

[0403] In this embodiment, the control of RIS 30 can be performed according to the broadcast type in the sidelink communication.

[0404] For example, a method for controlling the RIS 30 according to this embodiment can be set (defined) separately for each broadcast type. The RIS 30 can be controlled (or controlled) by the RIS 30, the base station 20, or the terminal device 40 by switching according to the broadcast type in a predetermined sidelink communication.

[0405] Examples of specific control methods are shown below. Note that the following control methods are examples, and the RIS 30 can be controlled using methods other than those described below.

[0406] (RIS control)

[0407] RIS control is determined based on the (separately configured) broadcast type. For example, RIS control includes control related to beamforming in sidelink communication, control related to on / off control in sidelink communication, or power control in sidelink communication.

[0408] In RIS 30, RIS controls are configured separately for each broadcast type. For example, in RIS 30, beamforming-related controls in sidelink communications are configured separately for broadcast, multicast, and / or unicast.

[0409] Configurable RIS controls are defined differently depending on the broadcast type. For example, in RIS 30, beamforming-related controls in sidelink communication can be configured for multicast or unicast, but not for broadcast.

[0410] The sidelink communication that can perform RIS control is determined based on the broadcast type. That is, RIS 30 performs RIS control based on the broadcast type of the sidelink communication from the transmitting device 40T.

[0411] For example, if the broadcast type of the sidelink communication from the receiving device 40R is unicast, RIS 30 performs RIS control (e.g., beamforming) on ​​the sidelink communication. If the broadcast type is broadcast, RIS 30 does not perform RIS control on the sidelink communication.

[0412] (RIS control information)

[0413] In a pre-defined RIS control scheme, the RIS control information is determined based on the broadcast type (configured separately). For example, RIS control information that varies depending on the broadcast type includes the type, content, quantity, bit size (payload size), etc.

[0414] For example, in beamforming-related control in sidelink communication, the bit size of the RIS control information to be notified is determined by the broadcast type. For instance, beamforming control is more granular in unicast sidelink transmissions than in multicast. Therefore, the bit size of the RIS control information related to beamforming in unicast is larger than in multicast.

[0415] For example, in the case of unicast, the RIS control information includes at least the destination ID (information indicating the receiving device 40R). In the case of multicast, the RIS control information includes at least the target group UE ID (information indicating the group UEs used as the receiving device 40R). In the case of broadcast, the RIS control information does not include at least the information indicating the receiving device 40R.

[0416] (Control channel and control format)

[0417] The control channel and / or control format used to transmit RIS control information are determined based on the broadcast type (configured separately). For example, for unicast, RIS control information is transmitted using a dedicated RIS control channel. For broadcast, RIS control information is transmitted using a regular PSCCH.

[0418] <<7. Estimation of Channel Information>>

[0419] To date, channel information in 5G NR sidelink communication has been estimated using Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). In 5G NR sidelink communication, the channel information estimation method using CSI-RS (SL CSI-RS) is only supported in unicast (unicast communication).

[0420] The SL CSI-RS is transmitted on the PSSCH. Transmitting device 40T sends the SL CSI-RS along with the CSI request sent by SCI. Receiving device 40R, upon receiving the CSI request and SL CSI-RS, measures the CSI using the SL CSI-RS. Receiving device 40R then feeds back the measured CSI as a CSI report to transmitting device 40T via the PSSCH.

[0421] In this embodiment, channel estimation via the radio link of RIS 30 can also be performed. For control of RIS 30, estimating the channel of the communication path including RIS 30 is important. More specifically, it is important to estimate the channel for sidelink communication SL-R1 between transmitting device 40T and RIS 30, and the channel for sidelink communication SL-R2 between RIS 30 and receiving device 40R.

[0422] Therefore, for example, the RIS 30 (an example of a relay device) according to this embodiment includes an antenna unit 311. The antenna unit 311 relays the side-link communication SL-R performed between the transmitting device 40T and the RIS 30. The RIS 30 transmits at least one of the following to the transmitting device 40T and / or the receiving device 40R: first information (e.g., signals and / or CSI information for CSI measurements) regarding the quality of communication with the transmitting device 40T, or second information (signals and / or CSI information for CSI measurements) regarding the quality of communication with the receiving device 40R.

[0423] In the following, a specific example of a method for estimating the communication quality (channel information) of a communication path including RIS 30 in side-link communication according to this embodiment will be described.

[0424] <7-1. Cases where RIS is opaque>

[0425] This section will describe the CSI acquisition method (channel estimation method) in the case where RIS 30 is involved in signaling for CSI information acquisition, in other words, in the case where RIS 30 is opaque.

[0426] In this context, it is assumed that RIS 30 has functionality equivalent to that of a terminal device 40 capable of sending and receiving control signals for CSI measurements and signals for feeding back CSI information, such as CSI-RS and probe reference signals (SRS). More specifically, RIS 30 includes a measurement unit for measuring CSI (an example of communication quality). Figure 9 In this example, the control unit 34 can be used as a measurement unit. Furthermore, the RIS 30 includes a communication unit that transmits CSI measurement results to the transmitting device 40T. Figure 9 In the example, signal processing unit 32 can be used as the communication unit. Furthermore, RIS 30 includes a communication unit that transmits signals used for CSI measurements (an example of signals used to measure communication quality) to transmitting device 40T and / or receiving device 40R. Figure 9 In the example, relay unit 31 and / or signal processing unit 32 can be used as the communication unit.

[0427] (Example of the first acquisition method)

[0428] Figure 23 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a first acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0429] The transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S201). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0430] After receiving the signal for CSI measurement, RIS 30 sends the signal for CSI measurement to receiving device 40R (step S202).

[0431] The signal transmitted by the RIS 30 for CSI measurements can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal for CSI measurements can be a newly defined signal.

[0432] Furthermore, the signal transmitted by RIS 30 for CSI measurement may be the same as or different from the signal transmitted by transmitting device 40T for CSI measurement.

[0433] Furthermore, channel information measured by the RIS 30 (e.g., signals used to feed back CSI information) can be included in the signals used for CSI measurements transmitted by the RIS 30.

[0434] The receiving device 40R aggregates the CSI information related to the channel between the transmitting device 40T and the RIS 30, as well as the CSI information related to the channel between the RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R, which are obtained through a series of operations, and feeds back the aggregated information to the transmitting device 40T (step S203).

[0435] The receiving device 40R can feed back CSI information to the transmitting device 40T via RIS 30, or it can feed back CSI information directly to the transmitting device 40T without going through RIS 30.

[0436] As described above, in the example of the first acquisition method, transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, RIS 30 and receiving device 40R measure the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for channel measurement. Additionally, RIS 30 notifies receiving device 40R of the measurement results. Receiving device 40R aggregates its own measurement results and the measurement results of RIS 30, and feeds back the aggregated result to transmitting device 40T.

[0437] (Example of the second acquisition method)

[0438] Figure 24 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a second acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0439] The transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S211). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0440] After receiving the signal used for CSI measurement, RIS 30 feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 to transmitting device 40T (step S212).

[0441] RIS 30 transmits the signal used for CSI measurement to receiving device 40R (step S213). The signal transmitted by RIS 30 for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0442] Furthermore, the signal transmitted by RIS 30 for CSI measurement may be the same as or different from the signal transmitted by transmitting device 40T for CSI measurement.

[0443] After receiving the signal for CSI measurement, the receiving device 40R feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R to the transmitting device 40T (step S214).

[0444] The receiving device 40R can feed back CSI information to the transmitting device 40T via RIS 30, or it can feed back CSI information directly to the transmitting device 40T without going through RIS 30.

[0445] As described above, in the example of the second acquisition method, transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, RIS 30 and receiving device 40R measure the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for channel measurement. Additionally, RIS 30 feeds back the measurement results to transmitting device 40T. Receiving device 40R feeds back the measurement results to transmitting device 40T.

[0446] (Example of the third acquisition method)

[0447] Figure 25 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a third acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0448] The transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S221). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0449] After receiving the signal used for CSI measurement, RIS 30 feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 to transmitting device 40T (step S222).

[0450] The receiving device 40R sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S223). The signal used for CSI measurement sent by the receiving device 40R can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0451] Furthermore, the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the receiving device 40R may be the same as or different from the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the transmitting device 40T.

[0452] After receiving the signal for CSI measurement, RIS 30 feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and receiving device 40R to transmitting device 40T (step S224).

[0453] As described above, in the example of the third acquisition method, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, the RIS 30 measures the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for channel measurement. Additionally, the RIS 30 feeds back the measurement results to the transmitting device 40T.

[0454] (Example of the fourth acquisition method)

[0455] Figure 26 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fourth acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0456] The transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S231). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0457] The receiving device 40R sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S232). The signal used for CSI measurement sent by the receiving device 40R can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0458] Furthermore, the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the receiving device 40R may be the same as or different from the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the transmitting device 40T.

[0459] The RIS 30 aggregates the channel-related CSI information between the transmitting device 40T and the RIS 30, as well as the channel-related CSI information between the RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R, and feeds back the aggregated information to the transmitting device 40T (step S243).

[0460] As described above, in the example of the fourth acquisition method, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, the RIS 30 measures the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for channel measurement. Additionally, the RIS 30 aggregates the measurement results and feeds them back to the transmitting device 40T.

[0461] (Example of the fifth acquisition method)

[0462] Figure 27 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a fifth acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0463] RIS 30 transmits the signal used for CSI measurement to the transmitting device 40T (step S241). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0464] The receiving device 40R sends the signal used for CSI measurement to RIS 30 (step S242). The signal used for CSI measurement sent by the receiving device 40R can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0465] Furthermore, the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the receiving device 40R may be the same as or different from the signal for CSI measurement transmitted by the RIS 30.

[0466] RIS 30 feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and receiving device 40R to transmitting device 40T (step S233).

[0467] As described above, in the example of the fifth acquisition method, RIS 30 and receiving device 40R transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, transmitting device 40T and RIS 30 measure the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for measurement. Additionally, RIS 30 feeds back the measurement results to transmitting device 40T.

[0468] (Example of the sixth acquisition method)

[0469] Figure 28 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a sixth acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0470] RIS 30 transmits the signal used for CSI measurement to the transmitting device 40T (step S251). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0471] RIS 30 transmits the signal used for CSI measurement to receiving device 40R (step S252). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0472] Furthermore, the signal for CSI measurement sent by RIS 30 to receiving device 40R may be the same as or different from the signal for CSI measurement sent by RIS 30 to transmitting device 40T.

[0473] The receiving device 40R feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R to the transmitting device 40T (step S253).

[0474] The receiving device 40R can feed back CSI information to the transmitting device 40T via RIS 30, or it can feed back CSI information directly to the transmitting device 40T without going through RIS 30.

[0475] As described above, in the example of the sixth acquisition method, RIS 30 transmits a signal for channel measurement (e.g., a signal for CSI measurement). Furthermore, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R measure the channel state (communication quality) using the signal for channel measurement. Additionally, the receiving device 40R feeds back the measurement results to the transmitting device 40T.

[0476] (Example of the seventh acquisition method)

[0477] Figure 29 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a seventh acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0478] RIS 30 transmits the signal used for CSI measurement to the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R (step S261). The signal used for CSI measurement can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurement can be a newly defined signal.

[0479] As described above, in this example, RIS 30 simultaneously sends the same signal for CSI measurement to both the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R.

[0480] The receiving device 40R feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R to the transmitting device 40T (step S262).

[0481] The receiving device 40R can feed back CSI information to the transmitting device 40T via RIS 30, or it can feed back CSI information directly to the transmitting device 40T without going through RIS 30.

[0482] As described above, in the example of the seventh acquisition method, RIS 30 transmits a signal for channel measurement (e.g., a signal for CSI measurement). Furthermore, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R measure the channel state (communication quality) using the signal for channel measurement. Additionally, the receiving device 40R feeds back the measurement results to the transmitting device 40T.

[0483] (Example of the eighth acquisition method)

[0484] Figure 30 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of an eighth acquisition method for CSI when the RIS 30 is opaque according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0485] The transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to the RIS 30 (step S271), and the receiving device 40R sends the signal used for CSI measurement to the RIS 30 (step S272).

[0486] The signal used for CSI measurements can be a side-link signal (SL CSI-RS in PSSCH), or a signal equivalent to CSI-RS or SRS. Alternatively, the signal used for CSI measurements can be a newly defined signal.

[0487] As described above, in this example, both the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R send the same signal for CSI measurement to the RIS 30. Note that the signal for CSI measurement sent by the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R can be multiplexed, for example, in the frequency direction (or time direction).

[0488] RIS 30 feeds back the CSI information related to the channel between RIS 30 and receiving device 40R to transmitting device 40T (step S273).

[0489] As described above, in the example of the eighth acquisition method, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R transmit signals for channel measurement (e.g., signals for CSI measurement). Furthermore, the RIS 30 measures the channel state (communication quality) using the signals for channel measurement. Additionally, the RIS 30 feeds back the measurement results to the transmitting device 40T.

[0490] <7-2. Cases where RIS is transparent>

[0491] The CSI acquisition method (channel estimation method) will be described in the case where the RIS 30 does not participate in the signaling used for CSI information acquisition, in other words, when the RIS 30 is transparent.

[0492] Figure 31 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a method for acquiring CSI in the case of RIS 30 transparency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0493] In this case, the transmitting device 40T sends the RIS control information, such as the above-mentioned RIS control information, to the RIS 30 via the control link and performs beam control of the RIS 30 (step S301).

[0494] At this time, the beam pattern controlled by the transmitting device 40T can be selected from a predefined pattern, or it can be determined based on the location information of the terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R).

[0495] Then, the transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to the receiving device 40R (step S302). At this time, the transmitting device 40T sends the signal used for CSI measurement to the receiving device 40R via RIS 30.

[0496] Upon receiving the signal used for CSI measurement, the receiving device 40R feeds back the CSI information to the transmitting device 40T (step S303). As described below, for example, the receiving device 40R feeds back CSI information multiple times. Figure 31 In the example, the feedback of CSI information performed by the receiving device 40R in step S303 is the first feedback (feedback #1).

[0497] The receiving device 40R can feed back CSI information to the transmitting device 40T via RIS 30, or it can feed back CSI information directly to the transmitting device 40T without going through RIS 30.

[0498] In this example, the channel between the transmitting device 40T and RIS 30, and the channel between RIS 30 and the receiving device 40R, are measured as a single channel.

[0499] The transmitting device 40T changes the beam pattern and sends the signal used for CSI measurement to the receiving device 40R. In this way, the communication system S repeats the above CSI measurement (steps S301 to S303) with different beam patterns (e.g., from the first to the Nth beam pattern). For example, in Figure 31 In the process, the communication system S repeats the CSI measurement N times (N is a natural number of 1 or greater).

[0500] Note that during these operations, the RIS 30 does not signal signals related to the CSI operation.

[0501] <<8. RIS Selection>>

[0502] <8-1. RIS Selection Operation>

[0503] In the case where there are multiple RIS 30s around the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R, the transmitting device 40T is required to select the RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication.

[0504] Specifically, sidelink communication is performed between terminal devices 40. Since terminal devices 40 are movable, when transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R perform sidelink communication, there may be RIS 30 among the multiple RIS 30 that are not arranged in a position and / or orientation suitable for improving the propagation channel.

[0505] When using a RIS 30 whose location and / or orientation are not suitable for improving the propagation channel to relay sidelink communication, the expected improvement in communication quality in sidelink communication between the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R may not be achieved.

[0506] Therefore, in this embodiment, the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R determine whether to use RIS 30 to perform sidelink communication and select an appropriate RIS 30. The selection of RIS 30 is performed by the communication system S before the CSI acquisition method described above.

[0507] Note that the acquisition of CSI can be performed immediately after the selection of RIS 30, or it can be performed after the selection of RIS 30 by being triggered by at least one of base station 20, terminal device 40 (transmitting device 40T, receiving device 40R and / or another terminal device 40) or RIS 30.

[0508] Furthermore, the transmitting device 40T can select RIS 30 periodically or when performing predetermined events (such as transitions in operating modes). Alternatively, the transmitting device 40T can select RIS 30 according to instructions from the base station 20. That is, the operation of selecting RIS 30 according to this embodiment can be triggered by the base station 20. In this case, the base station 20 sends a trigger signal to the transmitting device 40T, for example, to trigger the operation of selecting RIS 30.

[0509] According to this embodiment, the communication system S performs the operation of selecting RIS 30, so that the transmitting device 40T can select RIS 30 suitable for performing sidelink communication.

[0510] Furthermore, after selecting RIS 30, communication system S acquires the CSI of the radio link including the selected RIS 30. As a result, communication system S can avoid acquiring CSI for unnecessary RIS 30s. By avoiding unnecessary CSI acquisition, communication system S can reduce the signaling overhead caused by CSI acquisition.

[0511] Although the transmitting device 40T has been described herein as selecting RIS 30, at least one of the receiving device 40R, another terminal device 40, or base station 20 may select RIS 30.

[0512] The following section describes a specific example of the operation for selecting RIS 30 for each subject that selects RIS 30. In the following RIS selection operation, the RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication is selected from RIS 30_1 (RIS#1), RIS 30_K (RIS#K), and RIS 30_N (RIS#N).

[0513] Furthermore, the number of RIS 30s to be selected can be two or more, and can be four or more. The RIS 30s to be selected have the function of signaling information to determine whether to use RIS 30s to perform sidelink communication and information for selecting appropriate RIS 30s.

[0514] (Case of selecting the sending device 40T)

[0515] Figure 32 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation of a RIS 30 selected by a transmitting device 40T according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0516] The transmitting device 40T sends a signal for selecting a RIS30 to the surrounding RIS30s (here, RIS30_1, 30_K, and 30_N) (example of a request report signal and a selection signal) (step S401). The signal for selecting a RIS30 stores information requesting a report for selecting a RIS30.

[0517] After receiving the signal for selecting RIS 30, RIS 30_1, 30_K and 30_N send signals to the transmitting device 40T, which is the transmitting source, to provide feedback on the information used to select RIS 30 (example of report and feedback signals) (step S402).

[0518] The receiving device 40R sends a signal for selecting RIS 30 (a signal for requesting a report) to the surrounding RIS 30s (here, RIS 30_1, 30_K, and 30_N) (step S403). The signal for selecting RIS 30 stores information requesting a report for selecting RIS 30.

[0519] After receiving the signal for selecting RIS 30, RIS 30_1, 30_K and 30_N send signals to the receiving device 40R, which is the transmitting source, to provide feedback (report) on the information used to select RIS 30 (step S404).

[0520] The receiving device 40R sends a signal to the transmitting device 40T to report information for selecting RIS 30 (step S405). This report may include information about the report received in step S404.

[0521] The transmitting device 40T determines whether to use the RIS 30 to perform sidelink communication based on reports obtained from the surrounding RIS 30 and reports obtained from the receiving device 40R (step S406).

[0522] If it is determined that RIS 30 will be used for sidelink communication, the transmitting device 40T selects the RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication (step S407). Here, it is assumed that the transmitting device 40T selects RIS 30_K (RIS #K).

[0523] Send device 40T requests the selected RIS 30_K relay side link signal (step S408).

[0524] Transmitting device 40T can notify receiving device 40R of the selection result. Furthermore, here, transmitting device 40T requests the RIS 30_K relay side link signal, but receiving device 40R can request RIS 30_K instead of transmitting device 40T.

[0525] (The receiving device 40R performs the selection)

[0526] Figure 33 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation performed by a receiving device 40R on a RIS 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 32 The same processing methods are indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0527] After receiving reports from RIS 30_1, 30_K, and 30_N in step S402, the transmitting device 40T sends a signal to the receiving device 40R to report information for selecting RIS 30 (step S411). This report may include information about the reports received in step S402.

[0528] The receiving device 40R determines whether to use the RIS 30 to perform sidelink communication based on reports obtained from the surrounding RIS 30 and reports obtained from the transmitting device 40T (step S412).

[0529] If it is determined that RIS 30 will be used for sidelink communication, the receiving device 40R selects the RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication (step S413). Here, it is assumed that the receiving device 40R selects RIS 30_K (RIS #K).

[0530] The receiving device 40R requests the selected RIS 30_K relay side link signal (step S414).

[0531] The receiving device 40R can notify the transmitting device 40T of the selection result. Furthermore, here, the receiving device 40R requests the RIS 30_K relay side link signal, but the transmitting device 40T can request RIS 30_K instead of the receiving device 40R.

[0532] (Base station 20 performs the selection)

[0533] Figure 34 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a RIS selection operation performed by base station 20 on RIS 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 32 Processes that are identical in the same way are indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0534] After receiving reports from RIS 30_1, 30_K, and 30_N in step S404, the receiving device 40R sends a signal to the base station 20 to report information for selecting RIS 30 (step S421). This report may include information about the reports received in step S404.

[0535] The transmitting device 40T sends a signal to the base station 20 to report information for selecting RIS 30 (step S422). This report may include information about the report received in step S402.

[0536] Base station 20 determines whether to use RIS 30 to perform sidelink communication based on reports obtained from transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R (step S423).

[0537] If it is determined that RIS 30 will be used for sidelink communication, base station 20 selects RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication (step S424). Here, it is assumed that receiving device 40R selects RIS 30_K (RIS #K).

[0538] Base station 20 notifies transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R of the result of selecting RIS 30 (step S425). Here, base station 20 notifies both transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R of the selection result, but base station 20 may notify only one of transmitting device 40T and receiving device 40R of the selection result.

[0539] Base station 20 requests the selected RIS 30_K relay side link signal (step S426). Here, base station 20 requests the RIS 30_K relay side link signal, but transmitting device 40T and / or receiving device 40R may request RIS 30_K instead of base station 20.

[0540] Furthermore, here, each of the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R sends a report to the base station 20, but only one of the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R can send a report to the base station 20.

[0541] For example, when the transmitting device 40T sends a report to the base station 20, the receiving device 40R sends a signal to the transmitting device 40T based on the report obtained from the surrounding RIS 30, indicating information for selecting the RIS 30. The transmitting device 40T then sends a report including information about the report received from the receiving device 40R to the base station 20.

[0542] Furthermore, the timing of each of the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R sending a report to the base station 20 is not limited to... Figure 34 Example. The transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R can send a report before the base station 20 selects the RIS 30. For example, the transmitting device 40T can send a report to the base station 20 immediately after receiving a report from the surrounding RIS 30 in step S402.

[0543] Although base station 20 selects RIS 30, another terminal device 40 can select RIS 30 instead of base station 20.

[0544] When multiple RIS 30s to be selected include a transparent RIS 30, base station 20 may send information (reports) for selecting the RIS 30 to transmitting device 40T and / or receiving device 40R instead of the transparent RIS 30. Alternatively, transmitting device 40T and / or receiving device 40R may send report requests to base station 20 instead of the transparent RIS 30.

[0545] <8-2. Examples of signals in RIS selection>

[0546] Here, for example, at least one of the following pieces of information may be included as information for selecting RIS 30.

[0547] - Identification information for RIS 30

[0548] - Information regarding the RIS 30's receive status

[0549] - Information regarding the relay capabilities of the RIS 30

[0550] (RIS 30 identification information)

[0551] The identification information of RIS 30 includes the ID information of RIS 30. The ID information of RIS 30 is used to distinguish RIS 30. Examples of ID information of RIS 30 include ID information assigned by base station 20, manufacturing number of RIS 30, and number defined by the manufacturer of RIS 30.

[0552] (Information regarding the reception status of RIS 30)

[0553] Information about the reception status of the RIS 30 may include, for example, at least one of the following pieces of information.

[0554] - Information regarding receive power

[0555] - Information about the channels of RIS 30

[0556] - Information regarding the orientation of RIS 30

[0557] - Location information of RIS 30

[0558] - Information regarding the execution region of RIS 30 relative to terminal device 40

[0559] - Information regarding the distance between terminal device 40 and RIS 30

[0560] Information regarding received power includes RSSI information related to the signal used to select RIS 30 and RSSI information related to the control signal of another terminal device 40.

[0561] Information about the channel of RIS 30 includes, for example, information about the communication quality between RIS 30 and terminal device 40 (e.g., CSI information). This information may include the results of past CSI measurements performed between RIS 30 and terminal device 40. Alternatively, in the absence of past channel information (CSI measurement results), the information about the channel of RIS 30 may include information indicating that past channel information was not saved, rather than past channel information itself.

[0562] Information about the orientation of RIS 30 may include the physical orientation of RIS 30, the angle of arrival (AOA) information of the signal of terminal device 40, and information indicating the orientation of the sector to which RIS 30 (terminal device 40) belongs when the area around RIS 30 is divided into sectors.

[0563] The location information of RIS 30 includes, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) information about the location of RIS 30, as well as information indicating the distance and direction relative to terminal device 40.

[0564] Information about the execution area of ​​RIS 30 relative to terminal device 40 includes, for example, information about the area calculated based on the orientation and size of RIS 30 relative to terminal device 40 (e.g., the area of ​​antenna element 311).

[0565] Information about the distance between terminal device 40 and RIS 30 includes, for example, information about the physical distance between terminal device 40 and RIS 30.

[0566] (Information regarding the relay capabilities of the RIS 30)

[0567] Information about the relay capabilities of the RIS 30 may include at least one of the following:

[0568] - Information regarding the beam that can be formed for terminal device 40

[0569] - Information regarding the current operation of RIS 30

[0570] - RIS 30 capability information

[0571] Information about the beam that can be formed for terminal device 40 includes, for example, information about the type of beam that RIS 30 can form for terminal device 40 and the assumed reflection gain.

[0572] Information about the current operation of the RIS 30 includes, for example, information about the current operating mode of the RIS 30. Capability information about the RIS 30 includes, for example, information indicating the controllable phase resolution of the RIS 30 and whether power amplification is possible.

[0573] The signal used to request a RIS 30 relay sidelink signal includes, for example, a signal that requests sidelink communication operation using the RIS 30, including the transmitting device 40T. Furthermore, the signal used to notify the selected RIS 30 includes, for example, the ID information of the RIS 30 to be used for sidelink communication by the transmitting device 40T and the receiving device 40R.

[0574] <<9. Other Embodiments>>

[0575] The above embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0576] For example, the control devices for the control base station 20, RIS 30 and terminal device 40 in this embodiment can be implemented by a dedicated computer system or by a general-purpose computer system.

[0577] For example, a communication program for performing the above operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium (such as an optical disc, semiconductor memory, magnetic tape, or floppy disk) and distributed. Then, for example, the control device is implemented by installing the program in a computer and performing the above processing. In this case, the control device can be a device external to base station 20, RIS 30, or terminal device 40 (e.g., a personal computer). Alternatively, the control device can be a device internal to base station 20, RIS 30, or terminal device 40 (e.g., control unit 23, control unit 34, or control unit 43).

[0578] Additionally, the communication program can be stored on a disk drive included in a server device on a network such as the Internet and downloaded to a computer. Furthermore, the above functionality can be achieved through collaboration between the operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, the parts outside the OS can be stored on media and distributed, or the parts outside the OS can be stored on the server device and downloaded to the computer.

[0579] Furthermore, in the processes described in the above embodiments, all or some of the processes described as automatically executed can be performed manually. Alternatively, all or some of the processes described as manually executed can be automatically executed by known methods. Moreover, unless otherwise stated, the processes, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in this specification and the accompanying drawings can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the information shown in the accompanying drawings is not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0580] Furthermore, each component shown for each device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the accompanying drawings. That is, the specific distribution / integration mode of the corresponding device is not limited to that shown in the drawings. All or some of the devices can be distributed / integrated functionally or physically in any arbitrary unit, depending on various loads or usage conditions. Note that such configuration through distribution and integration can be dynamic.

[0581] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processed content does not contradict each other. Additionally, the order of steps shown in the sequence diagrams and other figures of the above embodiments can be appropriately changed.

[0582] Furthermore, this embodiment can be implemented as any component included in a device or system, such as a processor as a system large-scale integration (LSI), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a collection obtained by further adding other functions to the unit, etc. (i.e., some components of the device).

[0583] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is irrelevant whether all components are located in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, as well as a single device housing multiple modules in one housing, are both systems.

[0584] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment may employ a cloud computing configuration, in which one function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0585] <<10. Conclusion>>

[0586] While corresponding embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, components of different embodiments and modified examples can be appropriately combined.

[0587] Furthermore, the effects described in each embodiment of this specification are merely illustrative. The effects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and other effects can be obtained.

[0588] The functionality of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuit systems or processing circuit systems, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application-Specific Integrated Circuits”), FPGAs (“Field-Programmable Gate Arrays”), conventional circuit systems, and / or combinations thereof, programmed or otherwise configured to perform the disclosed functionality using one or more programs stored in one or more memories. Processors and controllers are considered processing circuit systems or circuit systems because they include transistors and other circuit systems. In this disclosure, a circuit system, unit, or component is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. The hardware can be any hardware disclosed herein that is programmed or configured to perform the disclosed functionality. Moreover, the memory (e.g., memories 22, 33, 42) can store a computer program including computer instructions. These computer instructions provide logic and routines that enable the hardware (e.g., the processing circuit system or circuit system) to perform the methods disclosed herein. This computer program can be implemented in known formats, such as computer-readable storage media, computer program products, memory devices, recording media such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, and / or the memory of an FPGA or ASIC.

[0589] Note that this technology can also have the following configurations. (1)

[0591] A relay device, comprising:

[0592] The relay unit, based on control information, transmits the side-link signal sent by the transmitting device through the first link to the receiving device through the second link.

[0593] The control information is provided by at least one of the base station, transmitting equipment, receiving equipment, or communication equipment. (2)

[0595] According to the relay device of (1), the control information includes beam information about beamforming in side link communication. (3)

[0597] According to (1) or (2) the relay device, wherein the control information includes instruction information indicating whether to relay side link communication. (4)

[0599] The relay device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control information includes power control information relating to the transmission power when a side link signal is sent to the receiving device. (5)

[0601] According to any one of (1) to (4), the relay device, wherein at least one of the transmitting device, receiving device or communication device transmits control information in the side link resource. (6)

[0603] According to any of (1) to (5), the relay device, wherein the control information is communicated by using a control channel different from the physical side link control channel (PSCCH) or physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) addressed to the receiving device. (7)

[0605] According to any one of (1) to (5), the relay device, wherein the control information is multiplexed with the control information addressed to the receiving device and notified using the PSCCH or PSSCH addressed to the receiving device, and is notified. (8)

[0607] According to any one of (1) to (4), the relay device, wherein the base station transmits control information in the downlink resources. (9)

[0609] According to any of (1) to (8), the relay device, wherein the control information is notified by using downlink control information (DCI) addressed to the relay device. (10)

[0611] According to the relay device of (9), the control information provided by the use of DCI notification includes information about the side link between the transmitting device and the receiving device. (11)

[0613] The relay device according to any one of (1) to (10) wherein the format of the control information is different from the format of the control information addressed to the receiving device. (12)

[0615] The relay device is based on any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control information varies according to the broadcast type of the sidelink communication. (13)

[0617] A communication device, comprising:

[0618] The communication unit sends control information to a relay device, which then transmits side-link signals sent by the transmitting device via a first link to the receiving device via a second link.

[0619] The control information is used by the relay equipment to send the side link signal to the receiving equipment. (14)

[0621] A communication method, comprising:

[0622] According to the control information, the side link signal sent from the transmitting device via the first link is transmitted to the receiving device via the second link.

[0623] The control information is provided by at least one of the base station, transmitting equipment, receiving equipment, or communication equipment. (15)

[0625] A communication method, comprising:

[0626] Control information is sent to the relay device, which then transmits the side-link signal sent by the transmitting device via the first link to the receiving device via the second link.

[0627] The control information is used by the relay equipment to send the side link signal to the receiving equipment. (16)

[0629] A relay device, comprising:

[0630] A circuit system configured to transmit side-link signals received from a transmitter via a first link to a receiver via a second link based on control information.

[0631] The control information is received by the circuit system from at least one of a base station, a transmitter, a receiver, or a communication circuit system different from the base station, transmitter, and receiver. (17)

[0633] According to the relay device of (16), the control information includes beam information about beamforming in side link communication. (18)

[0635] According to (16) or (17) the relay device, wherein the control information includes instruction information indicating whether to relay side link communication. (19)

[0637] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein the control information includes power control information relating to the transmission power when a side link signal is sent to the receiver. (20)

[0639] A relay device according to any one of (16) to (19), wherein the relay circuit system is configured to receive control information from at least one of a transmitter, receiver or communication circuit system in a side link resource. (twenty one)

[0641] According to any one of (16) to (20), the relay device wherein the relay circuit system is configured to receive control information via a control channel different from the physical side link control channel (PSCCH) or physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) addressed to the receiver. (twenty two)

[0643] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (21) wherein the relay circuit system is configured to receive control information via a PSCCH or PSSCH addressed to a receiver, and the received control information is multiplexed with the control information addressed to the receiver. (twenty three)

[0645] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (22), wherein the relay circuit system is configured to receive control information in downlink resources transmitted from the base station. (twenty four)

[0647] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (23), wherein the relay circuit system is configured to receive control information using downlink control information (DCI) addressed to the relay device. (25)

[0649] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (24), wherein the DCI includes information about the side link between the transmitter and the receiver. (26)

[0651] The relay device according to any one of (16) to (25) wherein the format of the control information is different from the format of the control information addressed to the receiver. (27)

[0653] The relay device is based on any one of (16) to (26), wherein the control information varies depending on the broadcast type of the sidelink communication. (28)

[0655] A communication device, comprising:

[0656] A circuit system configured to send control information to a relay repeater, which is configured to send a side-link signal received from a transmitter via a first link to a receiver via a second link.

[0657] The control information is used by the relay circuit system to send side link signals to the receiver. (29)

[0659] According to the communication device of (28), the circuit system is configured to transmit control information via a control channel different from the physical side link control channel (PSCCH) or physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) addressed to the receiver. (30)

[0661] According to the communication device of (28) or (29), the circuit system is configured to multiplex the control information with the control information addressed to the receiver before transmitting the control information, and transmit the multiplexed control information via the PSCCH or PSSCH addressed to the receiver. (31)

[0663] The communication device according to any one of (28) to (30), wherein the communication device is part of a base station, and the circuit system is configured to transmit control information in downlink resources. (32)

[0665] A communication method, comprising:

[0666] According to the control information, the side link signal received from the transmitter via the first link is sent to the receiver via the second link.

[0667] The control information is received from at least one of a base station, a transmitter, a receiver, or a communication circuit system different from the base station, transmitter, and receiver. (33)

[0669] A communication method, comprising:

[0670] Control information is sent to a relay circuit system configured to transmit side-link signals sent by the transmitter via a first link to the receiver via a second link.

[0671] The control information is used by the relay circuit system to send side link signals to the receiver.

[0672] List of reference numerals

[0673] 20 base stations

[0674] Signal processing units 21, 32, and 41

[0675] 22, 33, 42 memory

[0676] Control units 23, 34, and 43

[0677] 30 relay devices

[0678] 31 relay units

[0679] 40 terminal devices

[0680] S communication system

Claims

1. A relay device, comprising: A circuit system configured to transmit a side-link signal received from a transmitter via a first link to a receiver via a second link based on control information. The control information is received by the circuit system from at least one of the base station, the transmitter, the receiver, or a communication circuit system different from the base station, the transmitter, and the receiver.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes beam information regarding beamforming in sidelink communication.

3. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes instruction information indicating whether to relay side link communication.

4. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the control information includes power control information relating to the transmit power when a side link signal is transmitted to the receiver.

5. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive control information from at least one of the transmitter, the receiver, or the communication circuitry in a sidelink resource.

6. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive control information via a control channel different from the physical side link control channel (PSCCH) or physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) addressed to the receiver.

7. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the circuit system is configured to receive control information via a PSCCH or PSSCH addressed to the receiver, the received control information being multiplexed with control information addressed to the receiver.

8. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive control information in downlink resources transmitted from the base station.

9. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to receive control information using downlink control information (DCI) addressed to the relay device.

10. The relay device of claim 9, wherein the DCI includes information about the side link between the transmitter and the receiver.

11. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the format of the control information is different from the format of the control information addressed to the receiver.

12. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the control information varies according to the broadcast type of the sidelink communication.

13. A communication device, comprising: A circuit system configured to transmit control information to a relay circuit system, the relay circuit system being configured to transmit a side-link signal received from a transmitter via a first link to a receiver via a second link. The control information is used by the relay circuit system to send side link signals to the receiver.

14. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to transmit control information via a control channel different from the physical side link control channel (PSCCH) or physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) addressed to the receiver.

15. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the communication circuit system is configured to multiplex the control information with control information addressed to the receiver before transmitting the control information, and transmit the multiplexed control information via the PSCCH or PSSCH addressed to the receiver.

16. The communication device of claim 13, wherein the communication device is part of a base station, and the circuitry is configured to transmit control information in downlink resources.

17. A communication method, comprising: According to the control information, the side link signal received from the transmitter via the first link is sent to the receiver via the second link. The control information is received from at least one of the base station, the transmitter, the receiver, or a communication circuit system different from the base station, the transmitter, and the receiver.

18. A communication method, comprising: Control information is sent to a relay circuit system configured to transmit a side-link signal already transmitted by the transmitter via a first link to a receiver via a second link. The control information is used by the relay circuit system to send side link signals to the receiver.

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